Sunderland MPs Bridget Phillipson and Julie Elliott have met with Northumbria Police Chief Constable Sue Sim and expressed their concerns about plans to close police stations on Wearside.

Northumbria Police announced that they have plans to close 23 sites in the Northumbria area -; two sites in Sunderland at Farringdon and Gill Bridge will close.

Central government funding to Northumbria Police has been cut by £67m over 4 years. The closures form part of a wider process of reorganisation within Northumbria Police Force.

At the time of the announcement Bridget said:

“Crime and anti-social behaviour is a concern for many in our community. Visible proactive policing plays a crucial role in keeping residents safe and it’s vital this continues.

“It’s essential that the impact on communities and small businesses in areas affected by these proposals is taken into account before any decision is made.”

After the meeting with Chief Constable Sue Sim, Bridget said:

“I’m encouraged that the Chief Constable took on board our concerns about neighbourhood policing. She has assured us that no closures will take place untilalternativesites in the areas affected are secured and that the new bases will provide the same level of service to the public.

“I’m hosting a coffee morning near Farringdon in February. Local police who attend will be able to answer further questions about Northumbria Police force’s plans. I’m keen that local people make their views known and take part in the consultation to find an alternative site in the Farringdon area.”

Sites which are secure:

• Alnwick
• Ashington
• Bedlington
• Berwick
• Block 69, former HQ site, Ponteland
• Byker
• Cobalt
• Crow Hall Road
• Etal Lane
• Follingsby
• Forth Banks
• Gateshead
• Hexham
• Houghton
• Killingworth (Fleet)
• Middle Engine Lane
• Millbank
• North Shields
• Southwick
• Washington
• Whickham

Premises which will close

• Amble
• Bellingham
• Blyth
• Boldon
• Corbridge
• Cramlington
• Farringdon
• Forest Hall
• Gillbridge Avenue
• Haltwhistle
• Harton
• Hebburn
• Market Street
• Morpeth
• Pilgrim Street
• Ponteland Police Station
• Prudhoe
• Rothbury
• Seahouses
• Westgate Road
• Whitley Bay
• Wooler
• Remainder of former HQ site, Ponteland