Antrim and Newtownabbey PCSP supports local PSNI with Stroll Patrol community engagement event

Local PSNI Officers will be carrying out their first 'Stroll Patrol', an event designed to provide members of the community with the opportunity to get together, take a walk in a local area of natural beauty, and while doing so, engage with local police officers and discuss any issues they may have or areas of concern.

The event will take place on Saturday 27 July from 11am until 1pm. The 'Stroll Patrol' will commence from Hazelbank Park, meeting in area beside the entrance to the Coronation Garden, with participants walking to Jordanstown Loughshore Park where light refreshments will be provided, alongside the opportunity for further engagement, before making the return journey. The walk is estimated to take 40 minutes each way.

This initiative will not only serve to strengthen local relationships with police, but will also give police the opportunity to be well informed about the matters that matter most to the local community, which will help to inform future events and initiatives.

Chair of Antrim and Newtownabbey PCSP, Councillor Michael Goodman commented,

"Antrim and Newtownabbey PCSP are pleased to support this initiative, any work which seeks to increase grass roots community engagement and ensure that the voices of people are being given the space and opportunity to be heard and where concerns can be raised, is welcomed. This sort of engagement and consultation is a key priority for the PCSP."

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Neil Kelly, expressed his support for the initiative, stating,

"I fully support any efforts made by local police to engage with the public. Gathering people's views while also letting them discuss their concerns in a relaxed and informal setting is an initiative to be welcomed, and I hope that the event is well attended and serves to work towards empowering local communities."