Town Centre wardens back on the streets

SAFETY Wardens have made a welcome return to Ballymena town centre.

Their comeback is the result of the renewal of funding from the Department of Justice through the newly formed Ballymena Policing and Community Safety Partnership.

It follows on from the highly successful pilot project that ran from September, last year, until March 2012.

Due to the positive evaluation of the pilot, a further offer of funding was received for 2012-2013 and Mercury Security from Lisburn emerged the successful candidate from the required new tendering process.

Chairperson of the Police and Community Safety Partnership, Cllr Audrey Wales, said: “We are extremely pleased to have the wardens back again for another year as they were very successful during the pilot project.

“The wardens provide a reassuring prescence in the town centre and are a focal point for resolving day to day problems that arise within the town centre”.

Speaking at the announcement of their return at the bandstand last Wednesday, Mayor, Alderman PJ McAvoy said: “The Town Centre Wardens proved to be a great success during the pilot project and Ballymena Council is pleased to have them back on the streets again addressing any issues that arise in the town centre.”

Ballymena Retailers Against Crime (BRAC), who are administrating the project on behalf of Council via a service level agreement, will be managing the day-to-day operation of the project until March ‘13.

BRAC Development Manager Trevor Parker commented: “The warden project is now up and running again following the support received from Ballymena Borough Council and the newly formed Police and Community Safety Partnership.

“The new wardens will be liaising closely with both the local traders and the general public to ensure that Ballymena remains a first class experience for all town centre users”.

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