Derry community group looking to 'stand together' by establishing new walking group

A Derry community group has established a walking group to 'reclaim our walks and reconnect with each other safely’.

Drumahoe Community Association has launched this walking group following the assault of a woman at knifepoint in a sexually motivated attack in Drumahoe Park on Friday, November 1.

After a struggle, the woman managed to strike the attacker in the face with her torch a number of times before breaking free and running for help.

People within the community were shocked and nervous about going out walking following the incident, according to Hilary McClintock, a member of the Drumahoe Community Association. 

She said: “People are a bit frightened about going out on their own.

“It is an initiative to get things going and to reclaim the park.

“The community group felt there was a need to see the interest in setting up a group just for support for people who want to go out walking, and the intention would be that on Saturday that it is an initial walk around the park, but then the group decides what way they want to operate it because it will suit some to go on a Saturday for a walk while others may prefer to walk at night during the week.

“Our intention would be to take people’s details to set up a WhatsApp group where people can text in if someone wanted to go for a walk that night and see if anyone was available to join, rather than just being a formal group that meets at a certain time.”

The group wants to enjoy the beautiful spaces that make Drumahoe special by standing together and rebuilding people’s confidence to walk around the area.

The group is actively working with Derry City and Strabane District Council to improve park lighting for added security.

Mrs McClintock said: “I see people in the park at 7am out walking their dogs, and it is pitch dark.

“Since that park opened, there has been a wish for more lighting in the park.

“Now there has eventually been planning permission granted about a year ago for low-level lights as part of an application that didn’t get funded, so there is a call from the community to get these lights in.”

Drumahoe Community Association is hoping to provide personal alarms and high-visibility vests to the walking groups.

The first walk will be Saturday, November 9 at 11am in Drumahoe District Park. 

Drumahoe Community Association encourages those that wish to join to message them on their Facebook page if they want to partake or join their WhatsApp group.