Liberal Democrats seek answers on Rotherhithe, Camberwell and Dulwich police stations (Southwark Liberal Democrats)

Southwark Liberal Democrats <info@southwark-libdems.org.uk>

Liberal Democrats seek answers on Rotherhithe, Camberwell and Dulwich police stations

October 19, 2006 12:00 PM

Southwark Liberal Democrat councillors are seeking urgent answers on the future of Rotherhithe, Camberwell and Dulwich Police Stations after it was revealed that the current stations may close within the next three years.

"We are completely opposed to the closure of these police stations and of any others in Southwark," said Cllr Jeff Hook, Liberal Democrat Executive Member for Community Safety. "We are committed to local police stations which are open 24 hours a day."

"We understand that the Labour run Metropolitan Police Authority are looking to close the stations at Rotherhithe, Dulwich and Camberwell. We believe that all three stations must be fully re-opened and accommodate local community wardens and safer neighbourhood teams."

"We have been told by the Borough Commander that current stations will not be disposed of until alternative accommodation is available in the locality. However, this matter is largely out of his hands and in other parts of London, when large police stations are closed, the MPA have felt that desks in supermarkets staffed by volunteers are acceptable alternatives. We feel that such provision would be totally inadequate."

"Local people need an accessible and convenient place to report crime," said Rotherhithe Community Council Chair, Councillor Paul Noblet. "We are concerned to ensure that the public can have access to these facilities around the clock. It is no good having police stations only open in business hours."