Meeting over police station cuts proposal

Concerned police staff members approached the local MP who has described this as a “further blow” to Banbridge.

Mr Simpson said: “Our message to the District Commander was clear – PSNI Stations must be as accessible to the public as much as possible.

“The reduced hours proposal of four hours daily is something that we cannot support without further assessment. “We must analyse the usage of the offices along with the knowledge of what matters are being raised before any reduction is imposed.

Sydney Anderson MLA expressed his concerns around “public confidence”.

“The presence of police officers and services within a town go a long way in making communities feel safe,” he said. “Banbridge has already faced its fair share of cuts and I am concerned that further cuts will seriously damage public confidence.”

Carla Lockhart MLA said: “This recent proposal must be afforded further time for consultation. We need an assurance that response and proactive policing will benefit with additional resource if the station manpower is being reassigned.

“Areas of Banbridge have witnessed serious criminal activity in recent months and we have on going meetings with the District Commander to address this.

“Whilst we understand there is a lot of pressure on police resources the safety of the general public cannot be compromised if this is a business cost cutting decision.”