THE PSNI is proposing to close 34 of its 83 police stations in Northern Ireland as part of a cost-saving exercise. Stations that could face closure include Donegall Pass, central Belfast; North Queen Street, north Belfast; Hillsborough, Co Down; Castlederg, Co Tyrone; and Keady, south Armagh. Bessbrook in south Armagh is the only full-time station facing closure.
Members of the Policing Board yesterday in private session heard details of the proposals which, if implemented, would mean that the number of police stations will have been reduced from 140 stations in 2001 to 49 by 2015.
The PSNI says the closures would mean savings of £3.5 million annually. A public consultation must take place before any final decision is taken.
The board in a statement yesterday evening said that before any decision was taken, further information was required and that a working group had been established to take the matter forward.
Other police stations that could be closed include Dungiven, Irvinestown, Craigavon, Portrush and Ballynahinch.
