CONCERNS have been raised about policing cover in Fermanagh following fears that Lisnaskea PSNI Station may no longer operate on a 24/7 basis.
The police station currently operates 24/7 but it is believe that the operation hours are to be cut, leaving Enniskillen as the only 24/7 unit in Fermanagh.
Recently, Chief Constable Simon Byrne announced a substantial investment in neighbourhood policing but the plans also include the provision of just two dedicated 24/7 Local Policing Team hubs in the Fermanagh and Omagh policing district.
It is believed that these two stations will be Enniskillen and Omagh resulting in services at Lisnaskea being reduced.
Superintendent Clive Beatty explained that the Fermanagh and Omagh policing District will have seven dedicated neighbourhood policing teams, two dedicated 24/7 local policing team hubs and one district support team to serve all of the community across the District.
Erne East Councillor Victor Warrington said he is concerned about policing cover if the service is cut.
“Given the recent upsurge in dissident republican activity, including the bomb at Wattlebridge, it is worrying that the police are planning to remove a key policing structure from the area. Not only are we in a very dangerous time regarding terrorist activity, but we are also aware of burglaries and other criminal activity being on the increase.
“This is a huge rural area, if the only response team is in Enniskillen it will result with massive gaps in policing cover within the county. If there is an urgent response required in Roslea and the only team on the ground is at Garrison, it would be impossible to service that emergency call.”
Cllr Garbhan McPhillips believes cuts to any services is not good, especially emergency services. “News that the Lisnaskea police station may no longer operate 24/7 is very much a worry for the entire community considering all the burglaries and crimes over this past few months.
“On the other hand I do welcome the investment and increase in neighbourhood policing. The visible and physical increase of policing on our streets is essential to not only combating these crimes but to put peoples minds at ease.”
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