SDLP councillor Carl Whyte has welcomed engagement with the PSNI on a number of issues impacting the local community in north Belfast.

Councillor Whyte met with the recently appointed North Belfast Area Commander Chief Inspector Alan Lowry this week.

Councillor Whyte said:

“It was important to have the opportunity to meet with Chief Inspector Alan Lowry as he takes up a new role as area commander in north Belfast. The area has a range of complex problems and I welcome Chief Inspector Lowry’s acknowledgement of the challenges facing those who live here.

“We discussed a wide range of issues including violence against women and girls, road safety, the use of scramblers in residential areas, the lack of regulation around scramblers and e-scooters, general anti-social behaviour, drug dealing and misuse in our city centre and graffiti which continues to blight a number of areas.

“While I welcome that the police have a number of initiatives and measures in place to deal with these different issues, the continued impact of pressure on financial resources is a concern. It is important in a place like north Belfast that officers are able to work on the ground helping people and communities. I will continue to work with Chief Inspector Lowry and our local officers as we work together to tackle crime and associated issues across north Belfast.”