DERRY and Strabane District Council’s ‘Community Safety Warden Scheme’ has been announced as a finalist in the ‘Best Community and Neighbourhood Initiative’ category of this year’s prestigious Association for Public Service Excellence (APSE) Services Awards.
The APSE Services Awards recognise the very best in local government frontline services in over 300 councils across the UK.
The Community Safety Warden Scheme has been operating in Derry since July 2009 and is supported by Council and its statutory partners.
Managed by the Policing & Community Safety Partnership (PCSP), it aims to reduce anti-social behaviour and fear of crime across the city.
The scheme is also regarded as an example of ‘best practice‘ – with 9 of the 11 PCSPs now managing a Community Safety Warden or Street Pastor scheme in their area.
Mayor of Derry City & Strabane District Council, Cllr Michaela Boyle said: “Huge congratulations to the PCSP and our eleven Community Safety Wardens on this great news!
“Indeed, it’s really a tremendous achievement to reach the finals of the prestigious APSE Services Awards 2019.
“It is always pleasing when the hard work and dedication of our Council officers and staff get recognised at such an esteemed level.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all involved in the Community Safety Warden Scheme for directly contributing to a substantial reduction in anti-social behaviour in the city – and for making a real difference to the lives of local residents!”
Adding her congratulations on the nomination, the Chair of the Derry and Strabane PCSP, Cllr Sandra Duffy said: “I would like to congratulate our wardens and staff in securing this nomination.
“As an elected representative for the Ballyarnett area I am fully aware of the crucial role that our wardens play in engaging with our residents to keep people safe and reduce fear of crime. The nomination is fully deserved.”
The winners will be announced at APSE Annual Charity Awards Dinner, in aid of Parkinson’s UK on Thursday 12 September 2019 at the Civic Centre in Newcastle, England.
