Top police officer promises 'positive presence' as station goes up for sale

Northumbria Police's top officer has promised a “positive presence” in Washington following the planned sale of the area's police station.

- by Chris Binding

The force has previously confirmed its police station near The Galleries shopping centre is “no longer fit for purpose” and would need “considerable investment” to continue as a police station.

It is understood that the Washington site is to be put up for sale as part of the police force's wider estates strategy, and local councillors have previously asked questions about potential staffing implications.

In a statement last year, Northumbria Police confirmed neighbourhood police would remain in Washington and that the force would be “seeking alternative opportunities to co-locate within the area.”

This message was reaffirmed by Vanessa Jardine, Northumbria Police’s Chief Constable, at a meeting of Sunderland City Council at City Hall.