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Newry City Councillor Aidan Mathers has praised students at St Josephs High School for the respect and attentiveness given to him and Council Officers on a recent visit to the school.
Speaking on the visit Cllr Mather said “Myself and Council Officers visited to school to discuss with staff and pupils the concern there is about the rise in what is described as serious anti social behaviour incidents in the Newry City area.
"We also wanted to hear students views on the issues involved and how we working together with all key stakeholders can alleviate these problems.
"This past while we have witnessed serious assaults on people, some of them racist attacks. Police and communities report a spike in anti social behaviour. For example recent incidents of vandalism in the vicinity of the Lesuire Centre have caused staff and users concern. This is all very worrying”.
Cllr Mather’s continued: “Our discussion ranged from perceived reasons for such incidents happening, to the potential consequences for those that may be involved in such activities.
"The students in St Josephs were very respectful and attentive throughout our time with them.
"There were very useful contributions from many present. One suggestion that young people be offered the experience at no charge to visit the Lesuire Centre and use the facilities and meet staff will be investigated by Council Officers to see if something can be sorted out”.
The local Newry Councillor concluded: “All in all this was a worthwhile and positive engagement and I would hope that more schools, sports clubs and youth clubs might consider such an initiative”.
