Lawyers challenge closure of Bangor police custody suite

Ards and North Down Solicitors’ Association was granted leave to seek a judicial review of the shut down of holding cells operating at Bangor police station.

The custody suite will close at midnight on Wednesday as part of a wider £1 million savings plan.

Legal action was taken amid claims of a failure to carry out proper consultation before the move was rubber stamped.

Lawyers for the association also argued that an equality impact assessment was not conducted.

Mr Justice Maguire ruled that an arguable case has been established worthy of further judicial scrutiny.

He stressed, however, that this was no indication of the ultimate outcome to the proceedings.

The judge refused a further request to impose an injunction that would have mothballed the closure until the court case was over.

But the association confirmed it will be seeking an order for the custody suite to be reopened should it succeed after a full hearing early next year.

Outside court its chairman, Clive Fullerton, claimed the loss of the Bangor facilities will have a major impact on north Down and the Ards Peninsula areas.

With the closest holding cells now set to be in Belfast, he said: “This is losing a custody suite in an area of population of 180-200,000 people.”

Mr Fullerton added: “We are there on a daily basis, looking after the interests of people who are arrested.

“Vulnerable adults and children will now be taken to very large facilities at Musgrave Street in Belfast.

“There are concerns for community safety and the response times of police officers.”