THE St Catherine North Police are reporting that security has improved in the Kingsland community of the parish, and some residents who recently abandoned their homes for other communities can now return.

Head of the Guanaboa Vale police, Sergeant Wilfred James, told JIS News that the relationship between the police and the citizens has improved, and a neighbourhood watch has been established in the area to assist the police in tackling crime.

Sergeant James said the police have maintained peace in the area and persons are now “speaking more freely with the police”.

For her part, president of the citizens’ association, Nordia Palmer, said the community is rebounding, and there have been several sporting events which have attracted teams and patrons from other communities.

“We are bringing back peace in Kingsland. We are hosting events to bring people to the area,” she said.

Come, December 27, they will be hosting a treat for children, which promises to be a family affair. In April, they will have a spelling bee competition and a back-to-school fiesta in the summer.

Recently, with funding from community members, they cleared grown trees on some of the roadways, and facilitated the erection of street lights for areas that needed them.

Residents from the area, who are living overseas, have responded with resources to fund some of the projects that the association has undertaken.

Palmer informed that, during the coming months, they hope to partner with agencies to get young people certified, some of whom already have skills.

“Persons overseas…I want to thank them for the job that they are doing. Kingsland is out for excellence. We are working together to build a better community,” she said.