South Belfast MP Dr. Alasdair McDonnell held a public meeting in St. Bernadette’s Church in Wynchurch last night to help residents set up a Neighbourhood Watch Scheme in the area.

Speaking after the meeting, Alasdair McDonnell said: “I decided to hold this meeting after a number of residents contacted my office concerned about crime and anti-social behaviour in the Wynchurch area.

“I am delighted so many residents came out tonight and showed such interest in working together with Castlereagh Borough Council and the PSNI to set up their own Neighbourhood Watch Scheme.

“I have been involved in the establishment of a number of Neighbourhood Watch Schemes across South Belfast and am a great supporter of these initiatives. Not only do they reduce the fear of crime and antisocial behaviour. They enhance community safety by actually reducing the number of crimes and increasing the number of crimes solved.

“What I find heartening about tonight is that, at a time when it seems communities are breaking up and people are becoming more and more individualised and isolated, here in Wynchurch we have a group of residents with the community sprit and drive to want to actively look after each other.

“I would encourage other residents across South Belfast interested in setting up a community safety Neighbourhood Watch Scheme in their area to contact my office on 028 90242474.

“I will do all I can to help”.

ENDS

03-03-10