Funding agreed for Police Access Point in Stockbridge Village

24 August 2010

Merseyside Police Authority has formally agreed the funding to support the creation of a dedicated Police Access Point in Stockbridge Village. The facilities will be housed within the new Neighbourhood Centre that will be built as part of the multi million pound regeneration of Stockbridge Village centre. The new facilities will be used as a base for the local neighbourhood policing team and help maintain a visible police presence in the area.

Bill Weightman, Chair of Merseyside Police Authority and local ward councilor said;

“Having a police access point within the heart of Stockbridge Village means that officers can further engage with the local community and continue to work closely with them and partner agencies to improve their local area.

The area already benefits from micro-beat policing and the access point will be a great addition to this. Working as part of the Safer Knowsley Partnership we are committed to tackling the areas’ priority issues and improving peoples’ confidence in Stockbridge Village.”

The overall plans for the area, which were unanimously approved by the council’s planning committee last week, include a new swimming pool, state-of-the-art gym and leisure facilities, learning resource centre, primary school, Children’s Centre and Family Centre, multi-use games area (MUGA) and a supermarket.

Developed in consultation with local people and key partners in the area, the multi-million pound plans directly reflect the needs and wants of the local people and aim to create a vibrant and welcoming focal point for the entire community to enjoy.

Cllr Dave Lonergan, Knowsley’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Economy & Skills commented:

“Throughout the development process we have worked hard to engage with the local community and take on board their feedback about what they would like included within the new development. From the outset, residents have been clear about their desire to see a police presence within the scheme.

The confirmation of funding from the Police Authority will ensure that these facilities can be created and that the local police and Police Community Support Officers will have a central location within the new village centre.”