Broughshane & Portglenone police stations closures announced

The announcement was made by PSNI District Commander, Chief Superintendent Chris Noble who said the closures “will not prevent the delivery of policing to the rural community in Ballymena”.

He said: “As part of the ongoing review of police estate across H District, Broughshane and Portglenone police stations will close by the end of summer 2013.

“Our colleagues currently based in these stations will move to Ballymena police station, however neighbourhood policing will continue to be delivered by the Ballymena Rural Neighbourhood Policing Team and the same neighbourhood officers.

“These stations have been part of the community infrastructure for many years, with hundreds of police officers having served at them, so I do understand that the closure of these police stations will be an emotive issue for some members of the community.

“Closure of these stations and four others across the Police District gives me the best possible chance to protect officer numbers during a time of austerity across all public sector organisations,” said the Chief Superintendent.

“Maintaining community confidence in policing during these changes is critical for me and my Area Commander for Ballymena, Chief Inspector John Magill, will continue working with the Ballymena Policing and Community Safety Partnership in order to engage with the community to inform and influence the delivery of policing in the lead up to and after closure”.

Chief Superintendent Noble added: “What was reinforced to me during the consultation process earlier this year was the high regard the community has for our local Neighbourhood Officers. These officers will continue to serve their community along with their colleagues in response policing, our local detectives and our dedicated anti crime teams.

“The closure of these police stations will not prevent the delivery of policing to the rural community in Ballymena and the challenge going forwards is to how we continue to improve and invest in it even further”.