APPEAL TO LANDLORDS TO BE CAREFUL WHEN RENTING PREMISES

HEAD SHOPS are to stand little chance of making their way into Arklow if the local community has its way according to Mayor of Arklow Peter Dempsey.

Cllr. Dempsey renewed his appeal to landlords not to rent any premises to such retailers for the good of the community as a whole.

"What we need is to send a very clear message out that these head shops are not welcome in Arklow. We must protect the youth of our town and ensure that they do not set up shop as they have in other areas. I would hope that estate agents will be vigilant in ensuring they do not secure any shop premises," he said.

Local businessman Paul Lennon of Bench Ads. Ltd told The Wicklow People that he recently declined to deal with a representative of a head shop who wanted to advertise on benches around the country.

"I received a call from someone who claimed to be a representative interested in advertising on both bins and benches. They didn’t say what line of business they were in at first but when they told me I told them I was unable to do business with them. "There are so many people out there with drug problems and I believe that these shops are not helping the situation. As long as I am MD of the Company they will never advertise on my products," he said.

At a meeting this week with Minister John Curran at Leinster House, Arklow Area County Councillors Pat Fitzgerald, Nicky Kelly and Sylvester Bourke were informed that steps are to be taken within weeks to have to have a number of substances on sale in head shops banned.

The local members said that the meeting was a productive one with the Minister assuring them action would be taken as quickly as possible.

ELECTRICITY FOR 8,400 HOMES

FIVE local farmers are to build a windfarm that will provide enough power for 8,400 houses.

The windfarm which will lead to the creation of 20 jobs, will be built at Ballycumber North and South, and is the brainchild of five landowners who have worked on the project since 2005.

John Byrne of KBM Wind Farm Ltd said that they are delighted they have been granted permission for the six-turbine farm, saying it will be a great boost to south Wicklow.

The windfarm which is expected to be up and running in 2012 will supply electricity to the Arklow grid and will have enough energy for 8,400 homes.

The farm will be about three acres in size and John said that the company hopes to keep control of it themselves so that they can retain as many local benefits as possible.

Permission was granted subject to 26 conditions.

A new policing unit has been established at Arklow Garda Station to promote better crime prevention within the community and an increased sense of security among residents.

Led by Sgt. Vincent Byrne the scheme introduces Garda Therese Kelly and Garda Paul Hayes as the new community members with responsibility for the South and North of the town respectively.

For the past couple of months Garda Kelly and Garda Hayes have been knocking on doors, approaching businesses and meeting with residential and community groups who are keen to establish neighbourhood watch schemes.

"We have been asking people to get in touch if they would like to set up a scheme in their area. We are more than happy to meet with them and offer advice and support on where to start. Even if they have missed a preliminary meeting they can pick up, from the next one and get involved, explains Garda Kelly.

The Community Policing Initiative aims to revert back to an old style of policing where people knew their local Garda and feel they can approach them.

Having a specific Garda for each side of the town means that people will get to deal with the same person and form a relationship of trust where they can share their concerns in confidence.

Both Garda Kelly and Garda Hayes passed a rigorous interview process to get their places in the new unit and are dedicated to making a difference from grass roots level.

They have both been stationed in Arklow for a number of years which means they are already well equipped with local knowledge and plan to put it to the best use.

They plan to offer victim support, neighbourhood watch structure, personal safety advice and wider information services.

"We are hoping the community will be our eyes and ears. In time we will hope to have some area coordinators who can come to us on behalf of their neighbourhood and discuss any matters of interest.

If they feel anti-social behaviour is becoming a problem we will patrol the area to ensure it dies not continue. In order to make this happen we need the support of the public and for them to call us straight away if an incident occurs," says Garda Hayes.

As the initiative expands a number of community liaison Gardai will assist the new unit and will alternate on a rota basis.

"The liaison members will change from time to time but Garda Kelly and I will be involved permanently as we want people to be able to deal with the same person on a regular basis," adds Garda Hayes.

It’s not just residential areas which will benefit from the initiative as Business Watch has shown.

A meeting has already taken place in Arklow with in excess of 50 local businesses represented.

"We want to make people aware of all sorts of crime and how it can be prevented. With the support of the residential community, local voluntary groups and businesses we hope the initiative will be a very successful one," concludes the team.

To contact Garda Kelly and Garda Hayes please call Arklow Garda Station at 0402 32304.

Introduction:

During this one ‐ day intensive workshop, participants will become aware of and understand skills and techniques that have proved successful in helping people achieve their aims at meetings. It is aimed at anyone who has the role of chairperson but would also be beneficial to those who regularly attend as an ordinary member of a group or committee. The course is aimed (not exclusively) at Management in the non‐profit sector.

Objectives:

The workshop will provide participants with the opportunity to discuss, tease out and role play the concepts, techniques and skills of communication that are found to be ‘Best Practice" in optimising results from meetings. They will leave the workshop equipped with a skill‐net that will facilitate them in dealing effectively with the wide variety of situations and personalities they encounter at meetings. Participants will also learn how their own individual behaviour can significantly influence the outcome of any meeting or interpersonal situation.

This Skill‐Set will include:

• Confidence in leading meetings

• Assertiveness in making your point at meetings

• Dealing with hostile and conflict situations

• Influencing/Getting "buy‐in"

• Understanding and dealing effectively with different personalities

• Effective negotiation at meetings

• Giving and receiving feedback

• Managing the meeting

Course Cost = 165 euros

Time = 8.30‐1.30

Date = 10 February 2010, Alaymont Training Centre, Pottery Business Centre, Dun Laoghaire

Contact = This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 01 2463022

Please visit www.alaymont.com