Forum agrees way forward on Holyland problems

A reshaped Warden Scheme, tighter laws on drinking and mobile CCTV are highlighted as ways to improve life in the Holyland area of Belfast.

Over 60 key stakeholders reconvened today to agree an Action Plan outlining a joint approach in tackling the issues affecting this area of South Belfast.

The forum was hosted by the Minister for Employment and Learning, Sir Reg Empey, and was a follow up to the well received meeting that took place on 7 May this year.

Speaking after the forum the Minister said: “Today’s event was intended to assess the progress made following the last forum and outline what further short, medium and long term measures need to be addressed. I am grateful to the Belfast City Council’s Holyland Inter-Agency Group for agreeing to take on an oversight role in monitoring progress on these issues.”

There were speakers from the Police Service of Northern Ireland, the Federation of the Retail Licensed Trade, the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, the National Union of Students, Union of Students in Ireland and Belfast City Council.

Among the key actions identified were the expansion of the community warden scheme, the potential deployment of mobile CCTV in the Holyland and the approval and implementation of the new social legislation on alcohol.

The event at Malone House Belfast was attended by the Minister and senior officials from a number of Government Departments, statutory, private and voluntary agencies, including the PSNI, Belfast City Council, Higher Education Institutions and student representatives.

Notes to Editors:

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