Helensburgh Advertiser | News | New Police base for Churchill

Wednesday, 19th November, 2008

Published: Thursday, 4th September, 2008 09:30

New Police base for Churchill

MINISTRY of Defence Police officers will be on the beat in Churchill Estate, following the opening of a new community facility.

The Community Police Office, based in the square at the heart of the Helensburgh settlement, has been established to supplement current Royal Navy Police presence and to address any concerns residents may have over public order issues.

The new office will be manned by experienced community policing officers PC Debbie Carr and PC Russell White, and they both look forward to integrating into the life of the estate.

In addition to maintaining a presence within the office, alongside their colleague Sergeant Vincent Reid, Debbie and Russell will be out on the beat in the estate, as well as holding twice weekly surgeries for residents and attending community functions and meetings of organisations based at the square.

Working alongside the existing Royal Navy Service Police and Strathclyde Police, the defence police officers are there for all residents, whether the individual is navy, a private resident or housed by the local authority.

Both Debbie and Russell are very keen to hear from residents about their concerns and any suggestions people may have to make changes which could improve everyone’s quality of life.

“Serious crime is not actually a major issue in Helensburgh,” explained Chief Inspector Jim Gillen, deputy senior police officer for Ministry of Defence Police Clyde. “But anti-social behaviour and vandalism can have a detrimental effect on family life and a key aim of our community officers is to make residents feel safer in their community.

“They will act as a roving and visible deterrent capable of responding to any incident brought to their attention. This is a dedicated service and one which will not be drawn away to deal with issues in other areas.”

The new office was opened this week by MSP Jackie Baillie, who will also use the office to hold her parliamentary surgeries.

She was accompanied at the ceremony by the defence police’s Assistant Chief Constable Gerry McAuley.

Debbie and Russell’s surgeries take place on Mondays and Fridays from 1-3pm. They strongly encourage residents to drop in for a chat.

A leaflet about the new office has been produced, with information on what service can be expected, an introduction to both Debbie and Russell, as well as useful local numbers. You can reach the new office on 01436 678046 or email communitypoliceoffice@mdpga.mod.uk

Churchill Estate is located in the north east of Helensburgh and contains MoD married quarters housing, local authority housing and homes owned by private individuals.

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