Stab vest plan for council staff

By Johnny Caldwell
BBC News

The stab vests would be worn by frontline council staff

A Northern Ireland council is set to give some frontline staff stab vests.

Down District Council's environment committee gave the move its approval on Wednesday.

It is envisaged that vests will be given to staff including litter wardens and those attending incidents involving so-called "noisy neighbours".

SDLP Councillor Peter Craig, who chairs the committee, said he hoped staff would never need the vests, "but at least they'll have them".

"Litter, for example, is costing the council a fortune and we need our wardens to be able to do their job with confidence," he said.

"Knife crime isn't really a major issue in the Down District Council area, but under health and safety, you have to make sure employees are protected against knives or whatever.

"The vests will also be protection against a broken bottle, an assault or other acts of violence."

The DUP's William Walker described the introduction of stab vests as a "good idea".

The vests will be worn under staff's normal work clothes and won't be visible in any way Councillor Liam Johnston

"Anything that enhances the safety of our workforce has to be welcomed, particularly these type of officers," he said.

"We don't have a problem with these types of attacks and obviously don't want one, but you have to plan ahead."

Down District Council

Sinn Féin Councillor Liam Johnston, who was also in favour, said: "As far I'm aware other councils have similar measures."

The proposal will now go before the next full meeting of Down District Council for ratification.