Crumlin station is sold but new use is unknown

The derelict building that has lain empty for some years, has been bought over by a local business.

The site has been up for sale since August 2011 and at one stage was expected to be used as a drop in centre for the community but those plans fell through.

A local politician expressed concern that the village would no longer have a police station but hoped that the police would still have a visual presence in Crumlin.

“Obviously times are changing,” said SDLP’s Thomas Burns.

“The present police station as it stands was not suitable any longer.

“I hope that as the site is no longer owned by the PSNI that this does not mean that there will no longer be a visual police presence.

“Crumlin is forever changing. It is big enough to warrant a new police station.”

The Mill Road site went onto the open market for sale two years ago and it was revealed that all proceeds from the site will go back into policing.

Although the station has not been open to the public for a number of years, it had accommodated the Crumlin Neighbourhood Policing Team while they were on duty in the local area. The station was considered to be not fit for purpose and a refurbishment to bring it in line with the required regulations and building legislation would have cost a substantial amount.

When the site went up for sale in 2011 Antrim Area Commander Natalie Wilson at the time said: “After extensive consultation last year the decision was taken to close Crumlin police station.

“While the station has been closed since August 2010, police have continued to provide the Crumlin community with a locally focussed policing service.

“The Crumlin Neighbourhood Team remains solely dedicated to serving the area and, along with response officers, they deliver daily the personal, professional and protective police service people have told us they want.

“Ultimately policing is about people, not buildings.

“We believe that by investing in developing relationships and solving local problems rather than tying up resources, money and people in outdated and underused police stations designed everyone will benefit.”

The Crumlin Neighbourhood Policing Team which comprises of one sergeant and three constables will still remain in the area.