Battle to save local police stations

Aug 13 2008 by Liam Murphy, Liverpool Daily Post

A CAMPAIGN has been launched by a leading solicitor and businesses in Wirral to protect police stations threatened with closure.

Within hours of the threat to the borough’s stations being revealed in yesterday’s Daily Post, a number of concerned businesses had begun distributing petitions in a campaign spearheaded by David Kirwan, senior partner with Kirwans Solicitors and an independent councillor for Wirral.

When it meets tomorrow, Merseyside Police Authority will consider a report for new Area Command Centres, with Wirral expected to be the first area in Merseyside to have the new style police station.

The report said after a new Area Command Centre was built, “an impact assessment would be undertaken and the Authority’s policy on the closure of access points would be implemented”.

Wirral has 10 police stations, and Cllr Kirwan said: “These plans are a recipe for disaster. People want more visible policing, not less.

“Rather than closing community police stations, Merseyside Police Authority should be doing everything in its power to strengthen them.

“Rather than discussing bricks and mortar, the authority’s time and money would be better spent finding out what local residents and businesses think needs to be done to improve policing.

“From the response we have had in just a few hours, closing local stations would be at the bottom of their list.

“Police stations, just like post offices, used to be an essential part of community life. Just as happened with post offices, it seems someone is hell-bent on ripping away another part of the fabric of community life.” Other businesses to sign up to the campaign are estate agents Brennan Ayre O’Neill,Coffee Roast Bistro , Wallasey, and Wirral Ironing Services, Meols

Once completed, the petitions will be delivered to Merseyside Police Authority. Cllr Kirwan will also make representations.

Last night Cllr Leah Fraser, prospective Conservative MP for Wallasey and Moreton, said: “Clearly, the possible closure of police stations in Wirral is arousing strong feelings.

“I understand the proposals will be discussed at an open meeting of the Police Authority and would hope that, at that meeting, the authority will listen very carefully to the views of Wirral members.

“Should the authority decide to proceed with an Area Command Centre that leads to the closure of stations at Manor Road and Chadwick Street, then I would welcome the support of anyone and everyone in our community to prevent closure.”

liammurphy