Islington Tribune - News: Councillors back bid to save police station

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Islington Tribune - by JAMIE WELHAM
Published: 8 February 2008

Cllrs Phil Kelly and Mick O’Sullivan

Councillors back bid to save police station

FEARS are growing that Finsbury Park will become a no-go zone if the area’s police station is closed under new proposals.
The closure of Holloway police station, in Hornsey Road, is part of a raft of changes being floated by the Metropolitan Police in a bid to modernise crime fighting in the borough.
Under new proposals – part of a police review into their estate – all the station’s functions including patrols, custody of criminals and the 24-hour front desk will move to Islington police station in Angel until an alternative base is found.
Along with Islington police station, in Tolpuddle Street, Holloway police station is one of only two fully functioning 24-hour police stations. Highbury Vale station in Blackstock Road is also due to close as part of the plans.
The police insist that closures are “by no means definite” and nothing will be decided until everyone has had the chance to air their views.
They claim the changes will boost the service but this has not eased the concerns of people living in the area who say closing the police station is akin to abandoning a crime scene.
Chief Inspector Jane Johnson said: “We anticipate a review of both Holloway and Highbury Vale police stations because they are both small, out of date and ill-equipped. A key part of this review is to seek feedback from the local community. No action will be taken until we have consulted fully.
“We plan to open more Safer Neighbourhoods bases at locations which are easy to get to and are currently looking at different sites.
Labour councillor Phil Kelly, who lives in the area said: “We need a police presence in Finsbury Park. I would be very worried if local police had to waste time coming from the other end of Islington because their base has been taken away.”
Councillor Lisa Spall, who lives on the Andover estate next door to the police station, said the idea was “crazy”. She added: “This part of the borough has the highest crime rate which is not being acknowledged by the plans.”
The council say they will fight to keep the station open. Councillor Marisha Ray, executive member for community safety said: “Just two years ago we campaigned successfully to keep the front desk at Holloway open.
“We’ll do all we can to help the police provide even better services and open new facilities where necessary.”
A consultation document outlining the plans is available online or in any of the five police centres. It is expected to last for three months and any changes will be made after reviewing feedback. To view the plans see the website www.met.police.uk/islington

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