SDLP South Belfast MP Alasdair McDonnell said the new CCTV initiative was an important step forward in curbing the public order problems which have plagued the Holylands area for too long.

After touring the area on Thursday morning, he said:

“This is something I have been working on for years and I am very pleased to see such an extensive scheme going into action. The situation in the Holylands is quite complex and we should be wary of anyone proposing sweeping or simplistic solutions, but there can be no question that basic protection of the permanent residents and their quality of life must be our primary concern. Swift apprehension of troublemakers is obviously very important in this respect and the CCTV scheme will help do that.

“We also have to recognise that the majority of students who live in the area are themselves also victims of the rowdies, and I welcome the greater engagement of the universities on behalf of the wider student body. However, in the last analysis they have the primary ownership of this problem and they must use all the disciplinary powers at their disposal to solve it.”

ENDS

11.03.10