PCC comment on the Portland Barge

Today, the PCC has done radio interviews on the Portland Barge and commented as follows.

I have been in close contact with the Home Secretary, the Policing Minister and the Home Office since the announcement that the 'Barge' was going to be moored in Portland. Yesterday, I was given the assurance from the Home Office that there will be extra funding for more community policing in Portland while the Barge is in dock there, however, I still would like to see more support from the Government and I will continue to push them to give us the support we will require for the implementation of this project.

Dorset Police continue to plan for the arrival of the Barge and how they will ensure both asylum seekers and residents will be kept safe while it remains in our county.

I still have reservations over whether Portland is the right place for this initiative, but I have and will continue to do all I can to ensure that the government takes the financial burden of this scheme and that the people and communities of Dorset continue to feel safe.

 

David Sidwick 

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner