Woodstock Residents will be Consulted on Police Station Relocation

The relocation of the Woodstock police station will only happen after proper consultation with all roleplayers, including the community, has taken place. Western Cape Community Safety MEC, Lennit Max was given this assurance yesterday by Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General, Mzwandile Petros.

"General Petros and I agree that the concerns of Woodstock residents regarding the moving of their police station are valid and must be taken into consideration before a decision on new premises are made," says Max.

The MEC and the General also discussed the station's status and operational needs.

"The other reality is that current conditions at the station are problematic and upgrades are needed to accommodate the detectives and other staff. However, this will not happen overnight as a suitable site has not yet been found and the budget for this has not been allocated. Woodstock police station is on the SAPS Western Cape priority list and they are actively looking for an alternative site to suit all, but no decision has been made. We are all working towards a common goal here and that is ensuring optimal policing and effective crime-fighting to make the area safer for all residents," says Max.

Minister Max will on Monday, 10 May 2010, address the residents of Woodstock about the moving of the station and other concerns at a public meeting to take place in the Wemet Hall, Walmer Estate, Woodstock.