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08/08/2001
Donaldson hits out at RUC station closure plans
Ulster Unionists have hit out at proposed plans to close up to 26 police stations around the province, warning of the “significant impact” of any premature decision to scale down security presence.
MP for Lagan Valley, Jeffrey Donaldson, has spoken out about the announcement, which could see several major bases axed in south Armagh, in addition to numerous smaller ones in Belfast and Derry.
“Obviously I am alarmed at this development because the closure of 26 police stations in a small place like Northern Ireland is going to have a very significant impact, not least in some of the strategic areas, like Bessbrook, Newry, Middletown in Armagh, Fermanagh and Shantallow in Londonderry.”
He also voiced fears that the closures were yet another sign of the “detrimental effect” of implementation of the Patten proposals, and added:
”Many people will have a growing realisation that these issues are being pushed forward and that the result of it will be that the police will not be as effective.”
However, a spokesperson from the RUC insisted that the news was not being kept under wraps, nor would cutbacks come as a surprise, as it had been made evident “time and time again” that some closures were inevitable, in the face of findings from the report, regarding the future role of the RUC.
An official announcement was due to be made after RUC Chief Constable Sir Ronnie Flanagan meets with the Police Authority on Wednesday afternoon. (CL)
MP for Lagan Valley, Jeffrey Donaldson, has spoken out about the announcement, which could see several major bases axed in south Armagh, in addition to numerous smaller ones in Belfast and Derry.
“Obviously I am alarmed at this development because the closure of 26 police stations in a small place like Northern Ireland is going to have a very significant impact, not least in some of the strategic areas, like Bessbrook, Newry, Middletown in Armagh, Fermanagh and Shantallow in Londonderry.”
He also voiced fears that the closures were yet another sign of the “detrimental effect” of implementation of the Patten proposals, and added:
”Many people will have a growing realisation that these issues are being pushed forward and that the result of it will be that the police will not be as effective.”
However, a spokesperson from the RUC insisted that the news was not being kept under wraps, nor would cutbacks come as a surprise, as it had been made evident “time and time again” that some closures were inevitable, in the face of findings from the report, regarding the future role of the RUC.
An official announcement was due to be made after RUC Chief Constable Sir Ronnie Flanagan meets with the Police Authority on Wednesday afternoon. (CL)
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