‘Wheely’ good initiative from pupils hailed

​A UNIQUE project, instigated by the Neighbourhood Policing Team in Dromore, has equipped children with the practical skills to help them stay safe on the roads.
By The Newsroom
Published 24th Apr 2024, 14:27 BST
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The P6 and P7 children from St Colman’s PS and Dromore Central PS rolled up their sleeves to learn basic bike maintenance including how to fix a puncture, check brakes and adjust gears. They put these newfound skills to good use by helping to refurbish 18 bicycles which will be given to local charities to distribute.

Neighbourhood Sergeant Nick Woods said: “This has been a great learning experience for the children who worked really well together and should be very proud of what they’ve done.

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"The bikes were donated by the local churches in the Dromore area and the children set to work to restore them to their former glory.

Education Minister Paul Givan pictured with PSNI District Commander, Chief Superintendent Kellie McMillan and pupils from Dromore Central Primary School and St Colman’s Primary School, Dromore at a presentation event for both schools who are involved in a cross-community bicycle project.Education Minister Paul Givan pictured with PSNI District Commander, Chief Superintendent Kellie McMillan and pupils from Dromore Central Primary School and St Colman’s Primary School, Dromore at a presentation event for both schools who are involved in a cross-community bicycle project.
Education Minister Paul Givan pictured with PSNI District Commander, Chief Superintendent Kellie McMillan and pupils from Dromore Central Primary School and St Colman’s Primary School, Dromore at a presentation event for both schools who are involved in a cross-community bicycle project.

"These good-as-new bikes have now been given over to community partners St Vincent De Paul, the Prince’s Trust and Kinallen Rural Community Development Association to donate to anyone in need of this transport in our community."

District Commander, Chief Superintendent Kellie McMillan said: “We’d like to congratulate the pupils for their efforts and thank all those involved in this cross-community project, this has had great community support.

“This has been a positive example of us engaging well within our neighbourhoods and our thanks to the children who have impressed us all with their enthusiasm, ability and community spirit.”

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Stephen Smith, of local business JR Magill Cycles, provided the expertise and guidance on basic bike maintenance to the young people involved. He said: “I really just wanted to put something back into the community and can see the value in this project.

"I’m a former teacher and know how important the message of keeping safe on the roads is for our young people.”

Education Minister Paul Givan said: "I was delighted to attend a presentation event for Dromore Central Primary School and St Colman’s Primary School for their fantastic work on this very worthwhile project. Supporting shared learning opportunities enables children and young people from different backgrounds to come together and learn with and about each other. I would like to thank the pupils, schools and all those involved for their time and support in making this enterprise a success.”

PCSP Chair Clare McConville Walker said: “Not only did the project provide an excellent opportunity for local police to engage in a positive way with the community and young people in Dromore but also enabled PCSP Project Officer Gwen Bartley to talk to the pupils about road safety and crime prevention to help keep them safe.”

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Heather Bentley, principal of Dromore Central PS, said: “This has been a great experience for our P7 pupils. They have worked hard and had fun while learning some very useful, practical skills. Our thank you to all involved in this worthwhile project.”

Maeve Savage, principal of St Colman’s PS, said: “We were delighted to be involved in this programme, along with Dromore Central PS, as it has benefited our children in so many ways. We hope to be involved in more projects like this in the future as it brings our young people together in such a positive way."