Ritchie Welcomes Police Station Funding For Downpatrick

“Local people will also benefit from the closure of the Irish Street police station and the removal of the blast wall, which will allow for much needed traffic improvements in Downpatrick town centre. [caption id="attachment_15055" align="alignleft" width="221" caption="South Down MP Margaret Ritchie has welcomed funding for the new police station in Downpatrick."][/caption] “I hope this will also enable the Department for Social Development to complete the environmental improvements works for this area of the town. “I will continue to pursue the progression of this new build station and I look forward to the provision of a state of the art, fit for purpose PSNI station on the new Downshire site in Downpatrick.” With the police station in Irish Street closing down and moving to its new site at the Downshire Estate, Irish Street should xa0be in line for another xa0new major renewal package as many of the frontages of the small shops and buildings are run down. District Commander Chief Superintendent Nigel Grimshaw said, “The PSNI remain committed to building a new fit for purpose station in Downpatrick which would be of benefit to police officers and staff, as well as the entire community. “We welcome the support of the MP for the area and other civic leadership in pursuing this goal. The current economic climate is of course challenging, and a new station is still subject to final confirmation of funding. However, it is very encouraging to note the broad support across the community, within PSNI, and the Policing Board.”]]>