Write a commentThis year, for the first time, Newry and Mourne experienced one of the safest and most enjoyable Halloween nights in many years.
Commenting on the success, the Chairman of the Newry and Mourne Community Safety Partnership, Mr Martin McDade, said that with the support of the Community Safety Partnership, community groups across Newry and Mourne had worked hard to provide a range of free festival activities. Many volunteers had given their time to act as stewards and event organisers". He added that "it was great to see people from sporting organisations, residents groups and youth organisations all contributing to making Halloween in their area safe and enjoyable."
For the first time events were held in Crossmaglen, Hilltown, Mayobridge, Ballyholland, Kilkeel and in the Meadow/Armagh Road area and High Street area of Newry. These events were all well supported by their local communities and were successful in dramatically reducing the levels of antisocial behaviour which had terrorised residents in previous years.
Events in Warrenpoint and Annalong were well organised and attended this year. Warrenpoint had another wonderful variety of entertainment for all the family, including a boxing tournament, craft event, and junior disco. The events were concluded with an energetic performance by 'Hair of the Dawg' and Big 'O' leading the count down to the start of the fireworks display. The Safer Warrenpoint Group, who were the main organisers of this event, would like to thank everyone who supported the initiative and helped contribute to the festival atmosphere on the night.
The Lower Mourne Community Safety Initiative (LMCSI) would like to thank everyone involved in ensuring Annalong village enjoyed another calm Halloween Season. Community Stewards from all over the district came together to provide support for the local community and diversionary activities for young people in the surrounding areas. David Gordon of the LMCSI said today, "It was great to see families enjoying ordinary activities like walking their dogs and taking an evening stroll by the harbour". The mood of light-hearted fun and community goodwill was the result of many months of hard work by dozens of people united in their determination to help young people enjoy Halloween in safety.
Both the PSNI and the NI Fire and Rescue Service noted a vast reduction in calls from the public. On Halloween night itself there were only a small number of call outs for the Fire Service in the South Down area compared to over 100 in previous years.
The Newry and Mourne Community Safety Partnership would like to thank all its members, both statutory and community sector, who worked hard for weeks prior to Halloween. Our thanks also go to the people of Newry and Mourne who supported each project and helped make our District safe and peaceful this Halloween. Congratulations to all of you!
