Residents turned out in force at last week’s full meeting of Great Aycliffe Town Council to challenge County Durham’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Joy Allen, over the future of policing in Newton Aycliffe.
Police have been given notice to vacate their premises at the town’s fire station because the current 10-year lease agreement ends in December.
Facing a resident’s banner saying ‘Don’t nick our nick’, Joy Allen (PCC) gave an update on the search for new premises, for both the neighbourhood policing team and response teams, explaining that they are still looking at possible venues in Newton Aycliffe that are fit for purpose and that they want to buy rather than lease. She added that Durham Constabulary’s estates team had been working tirelessly to find a suitable location for a new police station in Newton Aycliffe.
This was challenged by residents, who suggested that there were empty shops available and that sharing the Magistrates Court could offer a solution. They also pointed out that during the 10-year lease, Durham Constabulary had ample opportunity to find land for a new police station.
A retired police officer, who had worked out of Newton Aycliffe for 30 years, highlighted the lack of policing in the town, which currently amounts to two PCSOs and ‘one or two response officers, most days’.
Ciaron Irvine, Deputy Chief Constable, Durham Police, said he had to level with residents. “I can’t give you a guarantee that the response team is going to be in Aycliffe after December,” he said.
He added that response officers from outside Newton Aycliffe could be deployed.
Mr Bell, who owns a cycle shop in Newton Aycliffe, strongly advocated the need for a police presence on the town as anti-social behaviour, speeding and drug use, is increasing.
According to Joy Allen, antisocial behaviour in the town had decreased by 40%, through neighbourhood initiatives. But resident, Debbie Ingram, said that if anything, antisocial behaviour was increasing. She added that residents felt short-changed, being charged more for the police precept for fewer police.
Mrs Ingram also challenged the force’s Assistant Chief Officer, Gary Ridley, who has overall responsibility for finance and estates.
She asked how much was raised by selling the site of the previously demolished police station, and what had happened to that money? Mr Ridley was unable to give an immediate answer.
When asked whether that money could have been ring-fenced for a new police station, residents were told that it had been spent on police vehicles.
Mr Ridley said that a new build police station would be very expensive and that there is no money available from the Government so it would need to be funded through Council Tax.
Joy Allen added that fairer funding is needed and that they are asking MPs for more funding for County Durham for more warranted officers in the community.
She reiterated that Durham Police is one of the best performing forces, despite the lack of funding.
A motion proposed by Independent Cllr Ken Robson, was passed, stating: The Great Aycliffe Town Council is concerned at the threat to the level of policing in Newton Aycliffe. In particular, we believe a town of this size should have a Police Station based in the town centre, suitable to facilitate policing needs, including police response times, as well as neighbourhood policing. In order to ensure that the police have adequate facilities to do their job and respond immediately to any given situation in the Great Aycliffe area, we call upon the Police and Crime Commissioner to work with the Chief Constable, Durham County Council and our local Member of Parliament, to look at securing a site in the town centre to facilitate this.
The motion was carried.
Photo: Cllr Ken Robson with Newton Aycliffe residents Debbie Ingram and Milly Duffin and their banner.