Protesters 'disappointed' Sidcup police station set to close (From News Shopper)

Protesters 'disappointed' Sidcup police station set to close

12:42pm Friday 9th March 2012 in News By Alan Woods

PROTESTERS say they are “disappointed” Sidcup police station will close its doors for good next week.

Police say the station in Main Road - which opens for four hours a day - provides poor working conditions for staff and is inefficient for modern day policing.

It will close on March 16.

A replacement front-counter service will be offered in Sidcup from Monday (March 19) at Marlowe House in Station Road.

Here, police say the facilities will be more modern and more efficient.

In December last year News Shopper reported how a 1,200-signature petition had been sent to Bexley police borough commander Chief Superintendent Dave Stringer by concerned Sidcup resident Sue Medley.

The 59-year-old web designer, who lives in Main Road, said: “I’m disappointed but it shows they don’t take any notice about what local people think.

“The shops didn’t want it to go and the people didn’t want it to go but if the police want it to then it’s going.

“The current police station is ideal, it’s on all the major bus routes and it’s easily accessible.

“It is a part of our history.

“Marlowe House isn’t so easy for people to get to no matter what they say.”

A front counter service, dealing with everyday policing issues such as lost and found property, will be provided by volunteers at Marlowe House.

Chief Superintendent Dave Stringer said: “While it’s sad to see Sidcup police station close we have to take into account the fact it is an old building and we must be realistic about its suitability for modern day policing.

“There will be many officers who have worked here over the years who will look back fondly on their time spent here.

“The new front counter facility at Marlowe House is less than one mile from Sidcup police station and is in a convenient location close to shops and is well serviced by public transport links.”

The station is closing as part of a review into the Metropolitan Police Service estate, which contains more than 800 buildings across the capital.