Sutherland Shire’s police commander Julian Griffiths has rejected claims the community was kept in the dark about the closure of Menai Police Station.
“After receiving the notice earlier this month the leasing agreement at the Menai Police shop front in Menai Marketplace would not be renewed, we have been speaking directly with the local community,” Superintendent Griffiths said.
”A series of community engagements have been held at Menai Marketplace to share this information and provide residents an opportunity to speak to officers.
“We have also used similar forums in Engadine and Kareela to advise the community when the subject was raised.
“Additionally, a community notice was published on the Sutherland Shire Police Area Command Eyewatch Facebook to reach out to more than 22,000 people who follow the page.”
Superintendent Griffiths was commenting after Sutherland Shire Council decided on Monday night to seek discussions and make representations over the decision.
The station operated for 16 years in a renovated former KFC restaurant.
Cr Steve Simpson told the council meeting the community received “not one bit of information” about the permanent closure before it was reported in the Leader.
“There are some 45,000 people in the area, and it has the largest proportion of young people under 21 [in Sutherland Shire],” he said.
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