Opposition Sen. Kim Swan has urged Government to address the people of St. George's on how the old town is to be protected once the Police station is closed and moved to St. David's.

He said the people of the East End were grateful to have an opportunity to discuss the issue with Police Commissioner Jonathan Smith at a packed meeting last Thursday, but he said someone from Cabinet should have been present.

In the Senate on Monday, Sen. Swan said it was a genuine concern of hundreds of residents in St. George's, but still people had not been told how the historic town would be policed once the old station is closed down.

He said St. David's was the fastest growing community on the Island and, therefore, the people of that area had real concerns about an increase in crime.

They were pleased that a station was to be purpose-built at Southside. However, he said that was no consolation to the people of St. George's.

He said: "The moving of the Police station from St. George's has been causing some concern. There are at least 2,500 people living in that constituency.

"St. George's also has two cruise ships between early May and late October. There could be anywhere between 5,000 and 6,000 people (on the ships) when you include the crew."

He said when it was considered that St. George's North had a number of residents, was a big tourist attraction, as well as having World Heritage status, and was visited by many locals, too, Government had to concede that it warranted a high profile Police presence.

Sen. Swan added: "I think the Government has an additional consideration as to how policing will be maintained in that town, particularly a town that has 12 functioning restaurants and bars and a commercial centre.

"It's a vibrant working town community."

And he said while the Police panel at the meeting last Thursday did well and was appreciated by the public, there should have been more Government members there.

He added: "I hate to see Police put in situations where they have to take on particular situations.

"It was unfortunate that there was no members of Cabinet there. This is not a subject that will go away. I want members (of the Senate) to be mindful of the issue."

Police Commissioner Mr. Smith told the public on Thursday that no decision had yet been taken on how St. George's should be policed.

Some of the options, he said, was a 24-hour Police station for the old town, and part-time station that could be used, if needed, at night, or the appointment of dedicated St. George's North officers.