PSNI Superintendent Alywin Barton says police are ready for any dissident threat
WITH just days until the G8 arrives in Fermanagh, PSNI Chief Inspector Alywin Barton has said preparations are progressing as they had hoped, but admitted they are “awake and alive” to the dissident threat.
As part of preparation Mr Barton explained that people will now notice additional police patrols and additional checkpoints . There is also an increased foot patrol in Enniskillen town centre ,but this is all part of increased profile aimed at providing peace of mind . “The security is to provide reassurance and also to ensure a safe and secure event for the community who work socialise and visit the county.”
When the question was put to him regarding the dissident threat Mr Barton had this this to say:
“In terms of contingency we have cause in the county to reflect on efforts made by dissidents over the previous months and therefore it is important and appropriate that we are awake and alive to the risk presented. It’s just something we have to be aware of, be careful of and try and continue to deliver normal life as far as is humanely possible.”
On a lighter note the Chief Inspector was happy to report that at present there have been no attempts by anyone to climb the fence or access the exclusion zone illegally.
“So far it has been fine, we appreciate the support of the local community and their patience in working with us while the preparation work has been undertaken. We appreciate the inconvenience and apologise for the inconvenience caused, but we do really value their cooperation.”
Mr Barton believes the PSNI are ready for any threat posed and hopes to show Northern Ireland in a positive light in the coming days.
“We think we’re prepared, we’re looking forward to the event coming and passing off hopefully very smoothly and very peacefully and Northern Ireland being represented across the world stage in a very positive light. A lot of planning and effort has gone into the operation and we are confident the planning will produce a divided; a successful result.”
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