Causeway Coast and Glens Community Safety Partnership launches new Neighbourhood Watch Scheme in Portrush

Causeway Coast and Glens Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) and PSNI are delighted to announce the launch of a new Neighbourhood Watch scheme in the Hamilton Place and Hamilton Place Lane area of Portrush.

Neighbourhood watch is a partnership between local communities, PSNI and PCSP which aims to designed to promote safety, reduce crime, and enhance the quality of life in our neighbourhoods.

Speaking about the accreditation of Portrush’s latest Neighbourhood Watch scheme Chairperson of the PCSP Cllr Darryl Wilson said: “With such a successful Open golf tournament returning to Portrush this year, the town is once again in the international spotlight. The inevitable increased footfall, traffic and visitors is exciting – but can also bring challenges. Neighbourhood watch schemes like this one, helps ensure that while we extend a very warm welcome to guests and visitors, we also keep local areas feeling safe and secure.”

Neighbours in the Hamilton Place area view their scheme as another step forward in building stronger community connections, enhancing safety and of course looking out for one another.

Neighbourhood Watch Coordinator Una Lynch commented: “Setting up a neighbourhood watch scheme is something that we have been talking about for a long time. In 2022 we had a little street party to celebrate Queen Elizabeth's jubilee. It was a beautiful day with such a lovely buzz, great to get all the neighbours together.

“We have a lovely, settled neighbourhood, where everyone looks out for each other. We realise that this is not so often the case, and it is something that we want to protect. During the party someone proposed forming a neighbourhood watch and we all agreed. It only took us three years to put the idea into action!

“In March this year a few of us went door to door asking people if they were still interested, no-one objected, and in-fact people were very enthusiastic.

“In April we arranged a meeting and invited representatives from the police and the Council to tell us about the scheme and how to become accredited scheme. Our neighbours in Portrush Pentecostal church gave us their church for the meeting and we were delighted with the high turnout of residents; all of whom supported the idea and helped identify potential coordinators. PCSP staff were brilliant, so accommodating and explained things very well. We learnt about the PCSP and other services that are available. The whole process was quick and easy; we are delighted that our scheme is now accredited and have our neighbourhood watch signs in place.”

Neighbourhood Policing Officer Constable Bruce Campbell said: “It is fantastic to see the development of this new scheme in Portrush. Neighbourhood Watch is about communities and policing working actively together to promoting safety and well-being and making sure that no one must feel afraid, vulnerable or isolated in the place where they live”

Whether you are new to the Causeway Coast and Glens area or have lived here all your life you can get involved in Neighbourhood watch.

If you wish to find out more about setting up a neighbourhood watch scheme please do not hesitate to contact PCSP by emailing pcsp@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk or speak to your local neighbourhood policing officer.