While the inter-agency pilot initiative is still dependent on funding, Limavady councillors have given their Chief Executive the green light to provide a maximum of £9,000 towards the project.

Other councils

Liam Flanigan said the idea had been adopted by other councils, and told councillors on Tuesday night that the trained wardens would tackle low level crime such as on-street drinking, dog fouling and littering. Describing them as “another set of eyes and ears”, he said the wardens could be a deterrent to would-be criminals.

Several councillors welcomed the crime-cutting initiative, including SDLP Ald. Gerry Mullan, who said it was an “absolutely excellent idea”.

UUC Colr. Boyd Douglas thought the scheme should go ahead for “a trial for a year and see how it works.”

However, UUC Colr. Leslie Cubitt took a different view. He said: “We are subsidising the police,” and claimed the wardens would have no legislative authority.

“I wouldn’t like to be dealing with people who are doing drugs and boozing at three in the morning,” said Colr. Cubitt.

However, Mr. Flanigan was quick to point out that the wardens would not substitute policing, and said they would work closely with the PSNI, dealing with minor issues.

‘Living

in fear’

Sinn Fein Mayor Brenda Chivers supported the initiative.

“People on the street are living in fear. £9,000 is very little to spend if it saves lives,” she said.

The project involves the PSNI, the NI Housing Executive, Limavady Borough Council, the Community Safety Partnership and the Neighbourhood Renewal Partnership.