Chief Constable enjoys ‘real community conversations’

NORTHERN Ireland’s Chief Constable Matt Baggott enjoyed some ‘real community conversations’ on his first visit to Kilcooley estate, this week (Monday).

It was a relaxed visit, with the police chief accompanied by ‘C’ District Commander Nigel Grimshaw and North Down Area Commander Mark McEwan.

North Down MP Sylvia Hermon welcomed the Chief Constable to Kilcooley Primary School where he met a number of representatives from Kilcooley Community Forum, such as the Over 50’s Club, Kilcooley Presbyterian Church and Bangor Alternatives.

During an interesting question and answer session, the Chief Constable spoke openly about his personal faith and the ‘very strong pull’ he felt towards Northern Ireland.

He addressed funding concerns from local community restorative justice group Bangor Alternatives, and gave assurances the Historical Enquiries Team was investigating crimes chronologically, and not only those carried out by loyalists.

Speaking earlier this week, the Chief Constable said it was a ‘pleasure’ to meet with the local groups.

He said their community work was an ‘inspiration to other people about how communities can do things that are very special’.