Sir Ronnie Flanagan, No downgrade in security
The RUC Chief Constable has dismissed suggestions that the closures of police stations in the North will lead to a downgrade in security. Up to 26 police stations have been earmarked.
Speaking after a two-hour meeting with the Northern Ireland Police Authority, Sir Ronnie Flanagan said that it was quite proper that the force looks at more efficient ways of doing business and of being accessible to the public. However, he added that: "We will not let security suffer as of a result of any changes we make".
Authority chairman, Pat Armstrong, cited financial pressures along with a changing security environment for the closures. He rejected claims that the move was linked to negotiations in the peace process. He added that the review is still in an early stage.
Some of the stations facing closure are part-time opening rural barracks, although Jeffrey Donaldson claims bases in south Armagh and along the Springfield Road in west Belfast are also on the list.
The anti-Agreement Unionist MP said that the proposed closures were further evidence of the detrimental effect the Patten changes were having on policing in the North. He said that most people would be appalled by the move.
An RUC spokesman said that local communities would be consulted before any station closures were decided. The plan to close more than 20 RUC stations across the North has been under consideration for months.
