A GROUP of local solicitors have united to oppose the proposed closure of Torquay Custody Centre, warning that the move would leave Torbay dangerously exposed.

Speaking on behalf of all local solicitors and legal advisers who attend the facility, Mr Nigel Butt of Devon Defence Solicitors and Advocates has written to Alison Hernandez, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, urging her to reconsider the proposal.

A copy of the letter has also been sent to Chief Constable Jim Colwell of Devon and Cornwall Police.

‘Torquay Custody Centre is one of the busiest in the region,’ said Mr Butt.

‘It serves a large population across Torbay, Teignbridge and South Devon, and plays a vital role in keeping local policing efficient and accessible.

‘The claim that only 2,500 people are detained there each year is simply not accurate — the true figure is likely between 5,000 and 7,000.

‘Any decision based on the lower figure risks being fundamentally flawed’, Mr Butt added.

The solicitors warn that the closure would be particularly damaging during the summer months, when Torbay’s population increases substantially due to tourism and the night-time economy.

‘On many evenings, there are only around eight response officers covering the entire Torbay area’, Mr Butt said.

‘A single incident involving several arrests — which is not uncommon on busy summer nights — could take up most, if not all, of those officers.

‘If they have to transport detainees to Exeter, there would effectively be no officers left to respond to other serious incidents.

‘Victims of crime could be left waiting for help in a perilous situation’, Mr Butt added.

Mr Butt went on to say: ‘Closing this centre will undermine public confidence and damage the smooth running of the local justice system.

‘We are calling on the Police and Crime Commissioner and the Chief Constable to think again and keep custody provision in Torbay where it belongs — local, accessible, and fit for purpose’.