Nuclear police to move training school to Oxford
Last updated at 16:37, Thursday, 04 February 2010
COMMUNITY leaders have reacted angrily to news that the Civil Nuclear Constabulary (CNC) is moving its police training school from Whitehaven’s Summergrove to Oxfordshire.
Seventeen staff are employed at Summergrove apart from the officers who are trained there. But the Constabulary stressed yesterday it was hoped none of the jobs would be lost. Re-deployment options are being discussed.
MP Jamie Reed said he would be taking up the matter in Parliament to try and get the decision reversed.
He said: “It’s all been done in a clandestine way. It’s not right for the industry or the community here, and I am not going to stand for it. I will be seeking urgent talks.”
Copeland Council leader Elaine Woodburn also attacked the move and wants an urgent showdown with the Constabulary.
She said: “This is incredibly surprising and disappointing news. We are deeply concerned about the implications it could have on our borough.
“It is worrying that when Copeland houses some of the country’s major nuclear sites that moves should be made to weaken the link the Constabulary has with this area.”
The training school is being switched to the CNC’s own HQ at Culham in Oxfordshire. Deputy chief constable John Sampson told The Whitehaven News: “The training element which is being relocated is recruit training.
“This is because the firearms training element of the course will now be delivered at a site in the south of England close to the CNC headquarters.
“The savings made from the move will be significant over a 10-year period. At a time when every penny we spend comes under considerable scrutiny the move makes financial as well as operational sense. It is hoped that no jobs will be lost as a restructure of the general training and planning functions will allow staff currently at Summergrove to be deployed locally to other CNC facilities. The Constabulary will maintain its specialist firearms and dog training functions at existing sites in West Cumbria.”
The Constabulary says the policing of Sellafield will not be affected.
First published at 15:46, Wednesday, 03 February 2010
Published by http://www.whitehaven-news.co.uk
Have your say
oh didums, our Jamie isnt happy so is off to voice his concern to parliament. Meanwhile Elaine W is planning a playground style'showdown' with the constabulary. What possible benefit will these reactionary pointless approaches bring? NONE. As usual our elected believe that everyone has to run their business past them for their personal approval.Its the same assumption they make with the electorate. They beleive were all here to serve them rather than them serve us.& as usual make alot of noise to kid us on they're working in our interest.
Posted by M on 8 February 2010 at 22:55