DERRY and Strabane Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) has announced that it is working to improve river safety in the Strabane area by providing small project support to Mourne Search and Rescue to provide river patrols.
The PCSP has responded to residents’ concerns regarding the safety of young people gathering along the Mourne riverbank.
Following a number of meetings with statutory partners and residents, Mourne Search and Rescue volunteers have been carrying out nightly patrols along the river since mid-July.
Speaking about the initiative Chair of the Derry and Strabane PCSP, Councillor Gus Hastings, said:
‘We are delighted to be working with Mourne Search and Rescue to ensure that the riverbanks in Strabane are a safer place for all users.
“The PCSP has responded to residents’ concerns regarding the safety of young people using the area, and has provided the necessary equipment to enable the Search and Rescue staff to patrol the area.
“We will continue to work with residents, river users and our statutory partners to ensure that this area remains a safe and shared space for all.”
Martin McDaid from Mourne Search and Rescue commented:
“We are delighted to receive this much needed support from the Derry and Strabane PCSP.
“The provision of this equipment has enabled our volunteers to carry out patrols along the riverbank and engage with users about river safety.
“We are hopeful that residents will see the immediate benefits of the scheme and hope to continue to work in partnership with the PCSP to build on this service.”
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