Executive Office urged to reconsider decision on ending Ebrington security

The Executive Office has been urged to reverse its decision to remove security from Ebrington Square from March of this year.

Ebrington Square has recently seen clashes involving teenagers.

SDLP Foyle MLA Sinéad McLaughlin said: “It is deeply worrying that the Executive Office have taken this decision to remove security from Ebrington Square.

"This site has a long and complicated history, but its regeneration is something we should all be proud of. Ebrington offers both cultural and economic opportunities and has recently seen both Alchemy and EY NI make Ebrington Plaza their new headquarters.

“I am concerned that the recent violence, which has largely involved young people, has been deemed to be sectarian in nature. We cannot allow our young people to get caught up in this and risk harming themselves or others and putting their futures at risk. The community in the surrounding area cannot be made to feel intimidated and unable to use this shared space.

“It is hard to understand why the Executive Office has taken the decision to remove security and replace it with CCTV cameras. Having robust security measures in place is the only appropriate way to secure this site.

“We must send a clear message that violence of any kind is not acceptable. I will continue to lobby the Executive Office to reverse this decision to discourge anti-social behaviour in this area and to ensure that everyone using Ebrington and living in the surrounding area can feel safe in their own community.”