The Department of Home Affairs has welcomed plans to incorporate a new base for the Southern Neighbourhood Policing Team within a modernised Community Centre in Castletown.
 
Castletown Town Commissioners has announced its intention to extend and redevelop its existing Civic Centre. Among a range of improvements, the proposal would see the Isle of Man Constabulary use the current library area as its community headquarters in the south.
 
Home Affairs Minister Juan Watterson MHK said: ‘This is an excellent example of Government working in partnership with a local authority to achieve a practical and successful outcome for all parties. I have made a commitment to maintain a strong police presence within our neighbourhoods and having a base within the extended Community Centre makes perfect sense.’
 
Inspector Darrill Pearson added: ‘This move represents a positive step in terms of joint working for the benefit of the southern neighbourhood. The Community Centre will be a hub of activity in the town and having police officers on site will help our interaction with local people.’
 
The construction scheme also supports the wider commitment to regeneration in the south of the Island.
 
Richard Ronan, Castletown MHK and Chairman of the Castletown Regeneration Committee, said: ‘This is a significant investment by Castletown Commissioners and I look forward to seeing the development of a modern, vibrant facility for the people of the town. The scheme supports other private sector initiatives that are helping to build real momentum in the regeneration of Castletown.’
 
Further information regarding the plans is available on the Commissioners’ website at http://www.castletown.gov.im/.