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CONCERNS have been raised over security presence along the border as the police station in Castlederg has been taken off the market as the PSNI prepare for Brexit.
Located on the Castlefinn Road just minutes from the border, the PSNI station closed in January 2013 and was subsequently put up for sale.
The building was never sold, and has now been taken off the market ‘on a precautionary basis’ due to Brexit.
Explaining the decision a PSNI spokesperson said, “There are no specific plans at present regarding the PSNI station in Castlederg.
“However, the PSNI has a responsibility to keep people safe and we constantly review our resources to ensure that we are best equipped to do this. Given the uncertainty around EU exit, we have reviewed the decisions previously made about stations identified for disposal. Therefore, we have paused the disposal of three stations in border areas, namely Warrenpoint, Castlederg and Aughnacloy. This will be kept under review.”
The news has sparked concern from the SDLP West Tyrone MLA, Daniel McCrossan, who believes the move sends the wrong message about security presence along the border after Brexit.
He said that rather than taking the site off the market the PSNI should use this opportunity to look at what public benefit it could bring to the area.
Mr McCrossan said, “We all know Brexit will be bad for the people of Castlederg and the rest of West Tyrone. I am concerned the PSNI has taken this former station off the market because of concerns over a no deal Brexit.
“Potentially re-occupying this station does not give me confidence that we will have a Brexit without borders,” said Mr McCrossan.
A transition period for Brexit is in place until December 31, 2020 and police are currently reaching the final planning stages.
However, UUP councillor Andy McKane said he would welcome a police presence in Castlederg.
“There will be an element of people in Castlederg who will be reassured by the move because there have been a lot of burglaries and incidents in the area.
“There will be other people who will not be happy about this.
“Brexit is coming next year, and I would imagine that is the reason for keeping it.”
“Personally, I would welcome a police presence in Castlederg and I think any law-abiding person has nothing to fear from a police presence,” added Cllr McKane.
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