Derry probation office re-opens at Crawford Square after bomb

The Probation Board has re-opened its office at Crawford Square in Derry after the premises were targeted in a bomb attack earlier this year. The front of the building (pictured) at Crawford Square was badly damaged after the device was left at the front door of its offices on April 27. The attack, which was captured on CCTV, resulted in a number of people being evacuated from their homes while army bomb disposal experts examined the device. The Probation Board have been based in Crawford Square for the past 30 years, but the incident prompted calls from a number of residents for the offices to be moved out of the street due to concerns over their safety. However, staff from the Probation Board for Northern Ireland (PBNI) have now returned to its Crawford Square offices where they have resumed their duties, despite the concerns. The PSNI also said that it would be reviewing security measures after the bomb attack. A PBNI spokesperson revealed they had held a number of meetings with the residents, and that a further meeting would now take place to address their concerns. “The PBNI work in the heart of all local communities to deliver a public service and have worked in Crawford Square for over 30 years,” the spokesperson said. “Indeed our staff are part of the local community. “Following the incident on April 27 this year staff are once again operating fully out of the Crawford Square office and PBNI are providing services across the city of Derry. “Since the end of April PBNI staff have met with the local residents on a number of occasions. “The PBNI Board Chairman and board members met with residents on May 14 to discuss a number of concerns they had raised. “Those concerns were reported back to the full Board and the Board requested that the PBNI estate strategy be brought forward for consideration at the June Board meeting. The spokesperson continued: “The Board Chairman has asked to meet with residents again to update them once that meeting has taken place.” The PBNI also thanked all those who had sent messages of support in the wake of the attack. “We appreciate the messages of support from partners, politicians and local groups which we received in the aftermath of the attack on our office,” the spokesperson said. “We will continue our work to keep communities throughout the city of Derry safe.”