Dobson praises arrests after parade

Local MLA Jo-Anne Dobson meeting with PSNI District Commander Superintendent David Moore.

She said: “I welcome the swift action taken by the PSNI in Lurgan in arresting 12 men in response to an illegal parade which marked the unveiling of an illegal 1916 memorial by Republican Sinn Fein.

“Since earlier this year I have repeatedly called on the then DSD Minister Lord Morrow and the Secretary of State to take action in relation to the illegal erection of this structure on Housing Executive land and it is a matter of deep regret that to date they have not.”

Mrs Dobson also raised local policing priorities including speeding and burglaries.

“We discussed concerns which are being raised with me regarding speeding on various roads in and around Banbridge and the police response to this, as well as a number of recent burglaries and attempted burglaries.

“I know that combating burglaries remains a key priority and I have written to the newly appointed Justice Minister to once again ensure that the PSNI have all the resources they need to tackle cross-border criminality, especially along the A1 dual carriageway.

“I again welcome the ongoing work of the Police to disrupt the supply and use of drugs in our community.

“I will be raising at Stormont my continued concerns around domestic violence which continues to be one of the most under-reported crimes and also the measures being used to tackle rural crime and the effect this is having on farming families.”