Call to 'brighten up' Bushmills Police Station

During a recent Moyle District Policing Partnership meeting held in Bushmills last Thursday a member of the public questioned officers about ‘the eyesore’ stating: “It’s not a good sight for people visiting the village.”

Agreeing Moyle Chairman Robert McIlroy said that ‘only a small budget’ was being requested.

He explained: “I have written a letter to the Superintendent asking them to find the finances to help brighten up the station, however they say there’s no money in the budget.

“I believe we need to take this up again and appeal to officials to keep this property in a proper state of repair.”

Cllr Willie Graham also backed the call stating: “For very little money we could enhance the station. We are talking less than 200 and you’re telling me the PSNI can’t afford it - it’s a disgrace. It’s a shame to allow our police station to sit like this especially when the local community are prepared to help with the work.”

A member of the public also highlighted that he had recieved a letter from the Housing Executive recently stating that it was ‘classed as anti-social behaviour to have your garden overgrown’.

Questioning the ‘bigger picture’ DPP member Michael Molloy asked: “Maybe our police chief has an alternative plan and knows it’ll be a waste of money when the station closes?”

In response the Chief Inspector John Magill concluded: “I have explained the situation to the Head but he has declined funding even though the local community have agreed to get involved and help.

“I personally would be pleased to see the station painted and I am disappointed at the decision. If the DPP agrees to write again then you have my support but I really don’t know if it would help.”

Concluding Cllr Seamus Blaney said the whole things was a ‘white wash’.