Cllr Sean Bateson, chair of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, officially opened the new Probation office, which is based in a central location in the Diamond.

Speaking at the opening of the new office, Cllr Bateson said: “Probation have been based in Coleraine for many years before moving to this office so they have always had a strong local presence in Coleraine and the surrounding area. I am delighted that the well-established service is continuing with the move to these modern offices.

“Probation staff use their skills and abilities to facilitate rehabilitation and to tackle the root causes of offending. By doing so, they change lives for safer communities. Through the Probation Board’s representation on Causeway Coast and Glens Policing and Community Safety Partnership, a link also exists with councillors locally and provides an informal pathway when issues arise.”

Hugh Hamill, director of operations for Probation, said: “Every year, Probation delivers reports for courts, supervises orders and licences and provides victims of crime with a service through the victim information scheme. We know and can evidence that through our work fewer people go on to reoffend.

“This is the sort of work that the Coleraine office carries out with our Justice partners, the Police Service of Northern Ireland, Youth Justice Agency, Judiciary, and Social Services. We also work very closely with community based organisations like Conservation Volunteers, The Vine Yard, Riding for the Disabled and Causeway Coast and Rescue to name a few.”

Probation Board chair Dale Ashford QFSM added: “The importance of engagement with local communities and working in partnership is absolutely critical. Our work does not take place in isolation. We are part of the justice system, working in collaboration with partners to deliver safer communities.

“The Board is beginning the process of developing its Corporate Plan for 2020-23 and will be seeking to consult with partners and those working and living in local communities. I hope that many of you here will participate in that consultation.”