State Member for Wallsend, Ms Sonia Hornery MP, is calling for better Police resources for Wallsend following a fire in the old abandoned squash courts in Council St, Wallsend, last night.
The site has been a hot spot for crime and a number of attempts have been made in the past few weeks to set the place on fire.
A number of local businesses have contacted the Police and Council on numerous occasions and despite the best efforts of local Officers, the building and neighbouring businesses have now been severely impacted.
Quotes attributable to Member for Wallsend, Sonia Hornery
“This is yet another example of an overworked, overstretched Police force unable to put enough resources into the Wallsend CBD to prevent issues like this fire.”
“Local businesses have provided CCTV footage and photos of people who have been lurking around this building for the past few weeks, but due to limited resources, Police have not been able to prevent this fire.”
“I am not sure what else needs to occur in the Wallsend electorate to prove to the Minister that we are under resourced. I have spent every ounce of my energy this year arguing for more Police but the Minister just completely ignores my requests.”
“Our emergency services are amazing. Last night 7 crews worked for more than 5 hours to contain the fire and prevent damage to the surrounding buildings, including my office which is directly opposite.”
“I hope that the CCTV footage leads to these perpetrators being arrested and dealt with and nothing further happens in the Wallsend electorate over the Christmas break.”