Menu
07/05/2008
Foyle And Mid Ulster PSNI Stations To Close?
On top of news that Police stations in Fermanagh may soon close - with border police stations at Kesh, Belleek, Newtownbutler, Belcoo and in Enniskillen earmarked for possible closure - stations in the Foyle, Limavady, Strabane and Magherafelt areas may now also be facing the axe.
The move comes under the latest review of police estate and resources.
District Commander, Chief Superintendent David Hanna said: "My job, and the job of my officers, is to try to make G District a safer place for everyone. In order to do that I have to make sure I use all resources available, whether those are officers, money, equipment or buildings, in the best possible way.
"Northern Ireland has a pattern of police stations unlike any other part of the UK and reflects the demands of a very different era in policing.
"Not all of them are fit for the job they have to do to meet the needs of the community and the officers and staff who work in them," he said.
Mr Hanna said no decisions have been made yet, but it is inevitable some may be reviewed in light of operational and other needs.
"If that is the case and a closure recommendation is made, that recommendation will be consulted upon fully with communities and representatives. It is important that if a station is closed then people must know what alternatives are being put in place," he said.
Stations which may face closure or change may include Strand Road, Eglington, Waterside, Claudy, Limavady, which is already 'lock and leave', Dungiven, which opens one day a week, Strabane, Donemana, Castlederg, Newtownstewart, Magherafelt, Maghera, which has limited opening, and Bellaghy.
However, the move has already been condemned. Allan Bresland, DUP MLA, said: "Already there are some police stations which are not active. Any that are left, the police need to keep hold of them."
He said with the closure of Plumbridge station, a wide geographical expanse of the western Sperrins has already been left wide open with no police stations between Newtownstewart and Magherafelt.
"The biggest cry from people on the ground would have is about not enough police presence," he said.
He said there is also a perception that anti-social behaviour increased in Sion Mills last year following closure of its police station.
Derek Hussey, UUP Strabane and Derg Valley councillor, is also extremely concerned: "I cannot understand, when we are talking about police in the community, why we are talking community bases away.
"There are local concerns as to the police presence on the ground. If you don’t have presence on the ground, it affects stations," he said.
(BMcC)
The move comes under the latest review of police estate and resources.
District Commander, Chief Superintendent David Hanna said: "My job, and the job of my officers, is to try to make G District a safer place for everyone. In order to do that I have to make sure I use all resources available, whether those are officers, money, equipment or buildings, in the best possible way.
"Northern Ireland has a pattern of police stations unlike any other part of the UK and reflects the demands of a very different era in policing.
"Not all of them are fit for the job they have to do to meet the needs of the community and the officers and staff who work in them," he said.
Mr Hanna said no decisions have been made yet, but it is inevitable some may be reviewed in light of operational and other needs.
"If that is the case and a closure recommendation is made, that recommendation will be consulted upon fully with communities and representatives. It is important that if a station is closed then people must know what alternatives are being put in place," he said.
Stations which may face closure or change may include Strand Road, Eglington, Waterside, Claudy, Limavady, which is already 'lock and leave', Dungiven, which opens one day a week, Strabane, Donemana, Castlederg, Newtownstewart, Magherafelt, Maghera, which has limited opening, and Bellaghy.
However, the move has already been condemned. Allan Bresland, DUP MLA, said: "Already there are some police stations which are not active. Any that are left, the police need to keep hold of them."
He said with the closure of Plumbridge station, a wide geographical expanse of the western Sperrins has already been left wide open with no police stations between Newtownstewart and Magherafelt.
"The biggest cry from people on the ground would have is about not enough police presence," he said.
He said there is also a perception that anti-social behaviour increased in Sion Mills last year following closure of its police station.
Derek Hussey, UUP Strabane and Derg Valley councillor, is also extremely concerned: "I cannot understand, when we are talking about police in the community, why we are talking community bases away.
"There are local concerns as to the police presence on the ground. If you don’t have presence on the ground, it affects stations," he said.
(BMcC)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
23 June 2016
Police Officers Disciplined For Failing To Tell Doctor About Woman's Head Injuries
Two police officers have been disciplined after they failed to let their colleagues and a police doctor know that a woman had sustained a head injury, a Police Ombudsman investigation has concluded. The woman died from bleeding to the brain on 24 February 2014, the day after she suffered the injury.
Police Officers Disciplined For Failing To Tell Doctor About Woman's Head Injuries
Two police officers have been disciplined after they failed to let their colleagues and a police doctor know that a woman had sustained a head injury, a Police Ombudsman investigation has concluded. The woman died from bleeding to the brain on 24 February 2014, the day after she suffered the injury.
06 August 2009
Axe To Fall On PSNI Stations
A large number of NI police stations are to shut down and be sold off. It took a majority vote and prolonged debate, but this afternoon members of the Northern Ireland Policing Board gave the green light to the contentious disposal of 26 police stations across Northern Ireland.
Axe To Fall On PSNI Stations
A large number of NI police stations are to shut down and be sold off. It took a majority vote and prolonged debate, but this afternoon members of the Northern Ireland Policing Board gave the green light to the contentious disposal of 26 police stations across Northern Ireland.
04 September 2007
NI Policing Board Seeks Custody Visitors
The Northern Ireland Policing Board has launched a campaign to recruit Custody Visitors to join the Board’s Custody Visiting Scheme. The volunteer scheme, which operates throughout Northern Ireland, is a means of monitoring how people who are held in police custody are treated.
NI Policing Board Seeks Custody Visitors
The Northern Ireland Policing Board has launched a campaign to recruit Custody Visitors to join the Board’s Custody Visiting Scheme. The volunteer scheme, which operates throughout Northern Ireland, is a means of monitoring how people who are held in police custody are treated.
15 May 2008
More Police Stations Closures On The Way
On top of news that police stations in Fermanagh may soon close - with border police stations at Kesh, Belleek, Newtownbutler, Belcoo and in Enniskillen earmarked for possible closure - as well as stations in the Foyle, Limavady, Strabane and Magherafelt areas also facing the axe, the Police Service of Northern Ireland now plans to close three rura
More Police Stations Closures On The Way
On top of news that police stations in Fermanagh may soon close - with border police stations at Kesh, Belleek, Newtownbutler, Belcoo and in Enniskillen earmarked for possible closure - as well as stations in the Foyle, Limavady, Strabane and Magherafelt areas also facing the axe, the Police Service of Northern Ireland now plans to close three rura
12 February 2008
Closure Threat Hangs Over Mid Ulster Police Stations
After decades of being under threat from the IRA, police stations in Mid-Ulster are now facing a more subtle threat: a police review. Some could even be faced with closure, depending on the outcome of a review which is currently being carried out.
Closure Threat Hangs Over Mid Ulster Police Stations
After decades of being under threat from the IRA, police stations in Mid-Ulster are now facing a more subtle threat: a police review. Some could even be faced with closure, depending on the outcome of a review which is currently being carried out.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
