Concerns raised about police station

DUP Alderman, John Finlay, has voiced his serious concerns over plans to close Ballymoney PSNI station to the public at the end of March.

Commenting on the issue, Ald Finlay said: “The town of Ballymoney has long been well served by its local police station which was open to the public. Despite the fact that we have a modern station with excellent facilities, I now understand that the station will be closed to the public from March 31 2017. In addition, while officers will continue to operate from the station, these will not be local police.

“This is a hugely regrettable and retrograde step. The PSNI often stress the importance of community policing and the need for public confidence in the police. The planned closure of the station to the public, and the absence of local police officers, will have a negative impact on the effectiveness of policing in the town.”

He added: “As a locally elected representative, I would like to know what community consultation has taken place over this significant move. I certainly am not aware of any. I also wonder to what extent the decision has been timed to coincide with the Assembly election, when the Policing Board will not be likely to be meeting in full session.

“Meanwhile, I would like the PSNI to explain to me, and to the people of the town, how this decision was arrived at, and how they feel the move will improve the standard of policing in Ballymoney.”