The Department of Home Affairs is applying for planning approval to convert the Peel Medical Centre into the town’s police station. The Western Neighbourhood Policing Team is currently based at the former Courthouse on the corner of Derby Road and Albany Road. The application states: ‘The Peel Medical Centre will be moving in March 2011 to newly constructed premises adjacent to the Corrin Memorial Home. The change of use would provide the Western Neighbourhood Policing Team with operational, effective and appropriate accommodation, and will allow a multi agency approach to policing.’ Head of Neighbourhood Policing Superintendent Paul Cubbon commented: ‘We have 16 officers based at Peel headed by Inspector Will Campbell. This is a perfect opportunity to seek to provide a better working environment to enable them to continue ensuring the community safety of Peel and the west of the Island. The courthouse building’s whole design is not conducive to modern policing whereas, if the change of use is granted, the medical centre would also offer better parking facilities and public access.’ Peel Medical Centre is also located on Derby Road, adjacent to the Shoprite supermarket, a few hundred yards east of the present police station. ENDS