Justice Minister David Ford has announced community safety works for the Northumberland Street area of Belfast.

The work will involve the installation of two CCTV cameras and the replacement of the street lights on Northumberland Street with white light lamps.

Mr Ford said: "These measures are aimed at deterring crime and anti-social behaviour in this area and to provide evidence when crime has been committed. I hope that these works will provide a level of reassurance to residents and businesses near the Northumberland Street gates. In due course I hope that they will create the local confidence to enable me to extend the opening times of the gates.

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"I am aware of the problems of crime and anti social behaviour in the lower Falls/Divis area, and the considerable work that has been undertaken by the statutory and community sectors over recent months to improve this situation. Following discussions my Department has had locally I believe that these measures will contribute to improved community safety in this area."

(CD/JP)