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ing money on them that the money could be better spent on new officers instead.
A former DPP member himself, McElroy said, "When I was on the DPP I was running to meetings every week and they were useless- like a Sunday school party, and they did nothing for the community."
In response, Eugene McMenamin said, "I really don't know the reason for him saying what he did, maybe it's a personality issue or something. I can only comment from my own perspective on our work here in Strabane, and that is that it's very worthwhile.
"The DPP has been a tremendous asset in bringing normality back to the streets. It gives everyone an opportunity to put their views forward on what should be happening in their local community regarding policing."
He continued, "In the last few weeks, we have submitted a plan for policing in Strabane which encompassed disorderly behaviour, underage drinking, and all other matters which are affecting people on the streets and on the ground in Strabane and the rest of the district. It outlines what the police should be doing, regarding patrols and other areas that bring normality to the area.
Despite the positive moves made by the DPP, the chairman expressed his disappointment and frustration at the lack of community involvement currently being received by the local DPP, with little or no public attendance at open meetings.
'It's disappointing. But looking at it another way, maybe it's a positive thing in that maybe it shows that the majority of people are quite happy now with the way policing is going.
"I'd like to see a time when any member of the public can approach the police if they have a problem, openly, on the main street in Strabane. And I don't think we're that far away from that situation.
"We have a new young police force coming online who are fully trained in the modern way of policing, and I want to see a time when people don't feel intimidated or afraid."
"We only have a budget of £5000 for spending on projects, which really isn't a lot so we try and use it wisely. One of the things we did spend our money on recently, which most people would have seen, was the large illuminated sign on the A5 to Derry around the time of the North-West 200, urging people to slow down and to drive safely. That cost us quite a bit of money to do but to me, those projects are very worthwhile.
This week, the DPP in Strabane confirmed that despite their high budget, only a quarter of this comes from the local council. They also reported very positive feedback from local people when questioned on their views on the local District Policing Partnership.
They said, "In our most recent customer feedback survey, 81% of respondents stated that it was important to have "local people shaping local policing" and 72% of respondents said that they would be willing to contact Strabane DPP if they had an issue regarding policing and crime in the district.
"The gross budgeted cost of Strabane DPP for 2007/2008 is £149,500 - 75% of which is funded by the Northern Ireland Policing Board, therefore the net budgeted cost to Strabane District Council is £37,375."
