PCC Candidate casts doubt on centralisation plans  

Joy Allen, Labour’s candidate for Police and Crime Commissioner has condemned plans to centralise County Durham’s custody suites.

Acting PCVC Stephen White announced his plans for a new custody facility last week which, if approved, will see the closure of existing suites in Bishop Auckland, Darlington, Durham City and Peterlee.

Joy Allen said, “Community policing is really important and I strongly oppose any movements to close local police stations.

“Having already lost almost 400 police officers since 2010, these closures can only lead to an even further reduced police presence across County Durham, with round-trips from some affected areas to Spennymoor taking upwards of one hour.

“No one is saying there’s no need for modernisation, but plans like these need proper consultation with the public and with elected officials.

“I have written to Stephen White asking him to halt these plans until a PCC has been elected in May 2021.

“If elected I am committed to involving the public in any major decision like this and pledge to protect community policing.”