In the run up to Halloween, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council’s Downpatrick District Electoral Area (DEA) Forum has reminded young people of the importance of keeping safe whilst having fun.
The event, which drew particular attention to the use of sparklers and fireworks, was organised in partnership with the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, the PSNI’s Downpatrick Neighbourhood Policing Team and the Downpatrick DEA who visited the Primary 4 to 7 pupils in St Colmcille’s Primary School, Downpatrick.
Pupils from the school also participated in a poster competition, which highlighted key safety information and messages. The four winners, who received a voucher for the Omniplex Cinema, were Ella Mae O'Donnell, Nevaeh Rice, Dylan McCoubrey and Poppy Baggley.
Councillor Gareth Sharvin, Chair of the Downpatrick DEA said, “Halloween is such an exciting time for our young people. Watching fireworks is great fun but burns from fireworks and sparklers can be devastating. I would urge people to please keep in mind the distress that fireworks can cause to the elderly and vulnerable members of the community and even our family pets and farm animals.”
Cllr Sharvin continued, “It is important that people using outdoor fireworks have the proper licence issued by the Department of Justice for Northern Ireland. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all the students for taking part and producing some great artistic posters and learning about the dangers that can be associated with Halloween. "
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