PSNI station closures recommended

Sir Hugh recommended 17 PSNI stations close

The chief constable has recommended to the Policing Board that 17 rural PSNI stations close.

Most of the stations are in County Fermanagh.

Sir Hugh Orde's recommendations are expected to be discussed at a private session of the Policing Board in Belfast on Thursday.

They follow a review by the chief constable of more than 60 police stations in which there was consultation at local level.

Eight of the 17 stations have already been run-down.

Almost half the locations on the list are in Fermanagh and include Rosslea and Kinawley.

Some of the other stations are Castlerock, Ardglass, Moy and Dromore in County Tyrone.

The others are understood to be Moneymore, Castlewellan, Plumbridge, Ballygawley, Caledon, Ballnamallard, Derrygonelly, Irvinestown, Lisbellaw, Newtownbutler and Tempo.

This move has been on the cards, but it has now been put before the Policing Board for approval where it will likely be the subject of heated debate.