Policing 'first' for west Belfast

Community policing issues were discussed at the meeting

The first meeting of a District Policing Partnership in west Belfast involving Sinn Fein has taken place.

Senior police officers were questioned at the meeting on Thursday about how long it took the PSNI to respond to calls in the west of the city.

Several leading republicans were amongst the audience at the meeting which focussed on community issues.

A protest by members of the Irish Republican Socialist Party before the meeting passed without incident.

SF councillor Tom Hartley said response times were typical of the issues which needed to be addressed by the PSNI.

Mr Hartley, chairman of the partnership, said: "The PSNI just can't come to a meeting and say, we can't answer that.

"If they want to build confidence, if they want to engage with the community, they have to be prepared to be open about these issues."