Newcastle PSNI base could be next to close

Newcastle PSNI base could be next to close

28 September 2016

NEWCASTLE police station could close as part of another PSNI cost-cutting plan, it has emerged.

With Kilkeel, Newtownhamilton and Crossmaglen also under threat, this would leave just two stations — Downpatrick and Newry — open in the whole of the Newry Mourne and Down area.

The potential move was put forward in an email sent from the PSNI to the local Policing and Community Safety Partnership, which has been seen by the Recorder.

The email, from a senior police officer, notes that as well as the already earmarked station closures in Ballynahinch and Warrenpoint, further imposed budget cuts are likely to lead to more station closures.

The email read: “The Policing budget was significantly reduced during the last spending review and all indications would suggest that further cuts are likely in the next spending review. Within this context it is likely that the Chief Constable will recommend a number of station closures to the Policing Board which will include Ballynahinch and Warrenpoint. It is also likely that the Board will seek further cost reductions that may require further station closures.

“Within Newry, Mourne and Down among those considerations going forward is the continuing use of the police stations in Kilkeel and Newcastle and also the police stations in Newtownhamilton and Crossmaglen. Over recent years all of these have required substantial spends to maintain the fabric of the buildings and also in respect of health and safety requirements.

“Additional spend is anticipated and a decision will need to be made soon regarding necessary maintenance works at Kilkeel. In the short term this spend has been delayed until wider consultation can take place regarding its continued use within the context of other discussion on the overall police estate. In that context the officers based here have commenced working from Newcastle station.”

In the old Down District area, Saintfield, Crossgar and Killyleagh stations have all closed in recent years and at the start of this year it emerged Ballynahinch was next for the axe.

The Ballynahinch base stopped being a 24 hour response station in July 2010 and is no longer open to the public but has been used as a base for the Neighbourhood Policing Team.

Back in 2011 it was revealed 40% of police stations in Northern Ireland could shut as part of the PSNI rationalisation plan. 

In a statement yesterday Assistant Chief Constable Stephen Martin didn’t comment specifically on the possible closure of Newcastle and three other stations but repeated that the police is continually assessing how best to use resources.

“The PSNI, like all public sector organisations, will continually review all of its resources to ensure the most effective and efficient use of public money,” he said.

Refering to the already announced examination of 12 stations, including Ballynahinch and Warrenpoint, he said the PSNI conducted a review of its estate in 2015 as a result of budget reductions.

“We identified 12 stations which are no longer required to carry out our daily business effectively. None of these stations are open to the public and there are no police officers or staff working in them. 

“We are aware that station closures are an emotive issue and can have an effect on community confidence. As such the Chief Constable decided earlier this year to suspend the process to allow him time to review the risks, benefits and implications of the proposals and be personally satisfied that any closures were considered against any impact this would have on the community.

“The PSNI is set to discuss the matter next month with The Northern Ireland Policing Board, which is responsible for making decisions on the disposal and sale of all parts of the police estate. The community will be updated on the outcome of these discussions in due course.”

A Policing Board spokeswoman said: “During 2015, the Police Service of Northern Ireland advised the Policing Board that it would be conducting a review of the police estate to consider future operational requirements in light of restructuring arising from changes to frontline policing to mirror the new Council boundaries and the budget within which policing must now operate.

“As part of the review of the estate, the Board expects the PSNI to have consulted with local Policing and Community Safety Partnerships on future plans.

“The revised Estates Strategy has now been completed and the Board will receive a briefing on the Strategy at a meeting of the Resources Committee in October along with any recommendations for site disposals.”