HARD DAY'S NIGHT
THE Leader went on the beat with the Community Safety Wardens on Saturday for an eye-opening account of what goes on after dark in Banbridge.
In a shocking list of incidents including alcohol-fuelled riots and potential sex attacks, the Wardens revealed how in the last three years they have:
- Taken a drunken 14 -year-old girl home to her parents.
- Saved a man from being kicked to death in a vicious gang attack.
- Intervened as a young girl threatened to kill herself by taking an insulin overdose.
Banbridge woman Helen Coop, who joined the warden scheme when it began, said they take a common sense approach on their patrols of the town.
"You risk assess as you go along and try not to get yourself into a situation where you get a smack," she told the Leader.
On a busy night more than 2,000 revellers travel to Banbridge, many on a binge-drinking session, leaving the police and community wardens to keep the peace.
After three years Helen said the incidents they come across still surprise her.
"What shocked and still shocks me is the thought of what can happen because they're in this drunken state. That's more scary than anything."
FOR MORE ON THIS STORY SEE THIS WEEK'S LEADER.
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Weather for Banbridge
Friday 10 February 2012
Today
Light rain
Temperature: 6 C to 9 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 4 C to 8 C
Wind Speed: 7 mph
Wind direction: South
