PSNI chiefs are to ask the Policing Board this week to back their proposals to close and dispose of 26 police stations throughout Northern Ireland.
The proposals are part of a plan that could see more than 40 of the North’s 108 police stations shut down by 2012.
Some unionist politicians have expressed fears that the closures could make it easier for dissident republicans to operate while Sinn Fein has insisted that the closures are necessary and pragmatic.
PSNI chief constable Sir Hugh Orde can unilaterally take the decision to close the 26 stations as it is an operational matter but the police require permission from the Policing Board to sell the properties.
Of the 26 stations proposed for closure 20 of them already are effectively closed, according to the police and the Policing Board. Five have limited opening which means they open occasionally while only one, Bessbrook in Co Armagh is fully operational.
Stations marked for closure include Loughgall, Claudy, Markethill, Newtownbutler, Kesh, Pomeroy, Toomebridge, Bellaghy, Newtownstewart and Mount Pottinger in east Belfast. There will be a subsequent review of a further 26 stations and while not all of these face closure, quite a number of them are likely to be shut down by 2012.
The proposals will be put to the board on Thursday.
