Introduction
Community safety is still in its infancy in Banbridge, as the Operational Tier of the Banbridge District Community Safety Partnership was just formed in February 2003. The Local Strategy Partnership perform the function of the strategic tier of the Partnership, overseeing all progress, however it is the operational tier which carries out the work of the Partnership.

We feel that the idea of partnership working and interagency involvement is central to community safety in Banbridge, and we wanted to ensure that all relevant organisations within the district are given the opportunity to have a real and meaningful input. The following organisations have now signed up to the Operational Tier
PSNI, Banbridge District Council, Banbridge District Policing Partnership, Environmental Health, Businesses/Traders, NIHE, Banbridge HSS Trust, Tassk Healthy Living Centre, Southern Health Board, Probation Board, Victim Support, SELB, Fire Brigade, Youth Justice Agency.

Audit Information
The Operational Tier of the Partnership is currently examining the findings of a desktop audit which compiled information from a wide range of organisations with an input to community safety in the district. A comprehensive community consultation should begin in January 2004, which will aim to reach all sections of the community, providing them with an opportunity to determine what they want for their community. In particular the partnership will target groups such as the young, elderly, businesses, ethnic minorities, victims, the disabled and gays and lesbians. The format of the consultation will include a telephone survey, questionnaires, focus groups, interviews and public meetings. Strategy
Work will not begin on a formal community safety strategy for the Banbridge District until the Partnership are content that all sections of the community have been provided with an opportunity to become involved in the consultation process.

Action Plan
Although a community safety strategy is still to be devised for the Banbridge District, the Partnership strive to devise ways of tackling problems which have been highlighted by the community, through community group meetings which the Co-ordinator attends on a regular basis, as well as liaising with a range of statutory and voluntary agencies. Already projects have been designed around neighbourhood safety, young people and vulnerable individuals. In particular the Partnership has a keen interest in tackling fear of crime, as while the perception is often much higher than the reality in Banbridge, it is the actual fear of crime which is having a detrimental effect on the lives of many of the district’s residents.

At a strategic level the Partnership also has a role to play in areas such as domestic violence, education on the dangers of drugs and alcohol abuse and the work of the Creating Common Ground Consortium.

Current Projects
(1) Gilford, Laurencetown & Scarva Rural Watch Scheme.
(2) Kinallen Rural Watch Scheme.
(3) Legions Court, Primrose Gardens and Downshire Gardens Community Watch Scheme.
(4) Lessize Safer Play Area.

Link to Your Partnership/Council Website
www.banbridgedc.gov.uk

Contact details
Rhonda Abraham
Community Safety Co-ordinator
Banbridge District Council
Civic Building
Downshire Road
Banbridge
Co Down
BT32 3JY
Tel: 028 406 60609
Fax: 028 406 60601
E-mail: rhonda.abraham@banbridgedc.gov.uk