Justice Minister Paul Goggins and west Belfast MP Gerry Adams at the launch of the new initiative
Community plan unveiled
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
By Lauren Mulvenny
A new community safety initiative with the aim of targeting crime and
anti-social behaviour has been launched in west Belfast.
The establishment of the Community Confidence Forum follows weeks of
meetings between local MP Gerry Adams and Justice Minister Paul Goggins.
The forum will seek to replicate the Upper Springfield Safer Neighbourhood
Forum, set up to deal with anti-social behaviour in the aftermath of the
death of Harry Holland.
It is believed representatives from key statutory organisations working in
the area will meet next week to discuss the new initiative further.
Launching the new initiative Mr Goggins said: “To deal effectively with
crime and anti-social behaviour there has to be a co-ordinated response
across the whole community.
“The message from all parts of the community is the same – everyone wants
something done to make their streets safer.”
Commenting on the new initiative Mr Adams said: “Sinn Fein's priority is to
en
sure that the people of west Belfast live in safe neighbourhoods with access
to a proper and accountable policing service, a criminal justice system and
statutory agencies that are dealing efficiently with their needs.
“The decision is a major step forward. Of course, its success will depend on
the commitment of all the agencies and groups involved, and the financial
and resource commitments they are prepared to make to this approach.”
