Eleventh-hour pleas on police meeting turnout

TWO Dromore councillors have separately made eleventh-hour pleas for public support ahead of tonight (Tuesday)’s meeting to discuss the planned closure of the town’s police station.

Encouraged, she said, by the level of support for the recent UUP and DUP petitions protesting the proposed closure, Ulster Unionist Olive Mercer stressed tonight’s public meeting was just the first step in the fight to maintain the police station as a focal point in Dromore. “Whilst it is important,” she said, “to continue to register your support against the closure by completing the consultation template issued by the PSNI, it is essential that there is further overwhelming support shown tonight with a full turnout at the meeting arranged by the PSNI. “As the consultation period ends in mid-March, it is imperative that we do not appear complacent.

“A poor turnout will be detrimental to our campaign, so please make the commitment to attend this crucial meeting tonight; attendance at this meeting must be given a high priority. “

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Mrs. Mercer added that copies of the consultation template could be obtained in either the UUP or DUP offices in Dromore. The template is also reproduced on page 10 of your Dromore Leader.

Meanwhile, the DUP’s Paul Rankin also urged the community to come put in force for the meeting.

“This meeting is an important part of the community consultation process regarding the decision that will be taken on the future of Dromore Police Station,” he said.

“It is vitally important that there is a good turnout and that the arguments are made in favour of the retention of Dromore Police Station.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“The Police Station is a base for local police who are regularly out on the beat and on patrol in the area. It is a place where they can store equipment and park vehicles safely and securely.

“The police are here to serve all of the community and I would urge the whole community to stand up and speak out.”

Mr. Rankin pointed out that members of the public could still sign the petition at the offices of Lagan Valley MLAs Brenda Hale and Basil McCrea.

Tonight’s meeting begins at 8pm in the bowling pavilion, beside Dromore Community Centre at Lurgan Road.