Barr to consider position on PCSP

The Knockiveagh representative is mulling over whether to withdraw from the committee permanently, temporarily or not at all over a number of incidents.

One of the incidents include what he called the ‘heavy handed tactics’ of police - something which they have denied - on the night of July 13, when officers took action against a sit-down protest at Kenlis Street.

He has called on the PCSP’s chairman, DUP councillor Junior McCrum, to arrange an urgent meeting to discuss the issue.

Said Councillor Barr: “I have been to my party colleagues, both locally and at a higher level, about what I should do.

“Once I hear all of the advice I will make a final decision. I have not been impressed by the actions of the police in recent weeks, and the night of the Thirteenth was a particular low for me.

“I was receiving phone calls from 2.30am that night from people who were in the area at the time who were concerned about what was going on but I was basically fobbed off by the police when I contacted them.

“I feel that as a political representative, who could have helped to ease the situation, I shouldn’t have had to contact the police - it should be the other way about.

“These are not acceptable actions by the PSNI. and I would call for an immediate meeting of the PCSP. I ask of the hairman - is he happy to see Unionists beaten down the street?”

For an urgent meeting of the PCSP to be called Councillor Barr would have to contact the partnership’s manager and call a meeting, who would then inform the Chairman that such a request had been made.

The next scheduled meeting is due to take place on October 16 - some two months away.

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