SDLP Cllr Shauna Cusack has expressed her relief at Councils decision to lock the gates at Baldrick steps on Friday and Saturday nights and welcomes the Housing Executive commitment to an area clean up.

Cllr Cusack said: "I am very much relieved that after a long fought battle and constant pressure, that council officers have taken the decision to lock these gates on the steps leading from the Cregganburn Park at the weekends. The gates will be locked from dawn till dusk on Friday's and Saturday's commencing shortly. This currently a temporary interim measure until a permanent solution can be reached.

"I appreciate that this may inconvenience some people, but we have to consider the well being of the residents who have been constantly blighted by issues outside their front doors as well as the safety of those gathering in the area. Steps, drink and darkness are a lethal combination and hopefully this action may help prevent a serious accident or worse.

"While the condition of the steps is the responsibility of council cleansing Dept, the area to the side is NIHE land and I'm delighted that they have agreed to my request for a clean up of the area which had become littered with discarded bottles and cans.

"All in all this is a great result and I would like to thank everyone involved for their help and support in getting these results. I would especially like to thank the members of the Neighbourhood Safety Team, the residents for their patience and the Community Wardens for the hours of work they have put into dealing with this area.

"We understand that this may not go all the way to completely resolving the problems in the area but it's a move in the right direction."

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