Alex Easton MLA has raised deep concerns following the decision to close the Bangor PSNI inquiry office.
Speaking today Alex Easton MLA said:
“I am truly astonished to have received word that the PSNI have decided to close the Bangor inquiry office. Words fail to describe how this decision will impact upon policing in the area. It is especially shocking as the Bangor custody facility was also closed several years ago, and in fact I did a charity event to raise money for the charity ABAMA only several years ago. This means if you want to report a crime or deliver documents into the PSNI you have to travel 9 miles that is just not fair on the public”
“The reasons for its closure included separating out different levels of prisoners but in reality this is to save money. The PSNI are claiming they need to save £400,000 is a relatively small amount of money and I cant understand why the Justice Minister cannot come up with extra funding or ask the NI Executive to come up with more money.”
“Mr Easton added, “What I find disturbing is that we will now have the one inquiry office to serve the whole of North Down and Ards which is really not acceptable considering that Bangor is a City and has the bigger population. We in North Down have been badly effected over the years with the closure of Donaghadee Station and Holywood Police station, which is not open to the public, and Police sent from Ards to cover any incidents.”
“I will be seeking a meeting with the PSNI and the Justice Minister to discuss the issue and will raise the issue hopefully this week at the NI Assembly. I would urge the PSNI to reconsider and to reverse their decision to close yet another PSNI facility from North Down.”
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