United Bermuda Party MP Kim Swan is calling for the ruling Progressive Labour Party to stick to its election promise of re-opening the St. George's Police Station.

The station has been closed since January 2, 2007, and despite pre-election claims from Public Safety Minister David Burch, that the station would be up and running within the next few months, there is no sign of work being done.

The newly elected St. George's West MP said the community needs a Police presence especially with the tourism season coming up in the next few months. He called Sen. Burch's sending the Hustle truck team to gut out the building "political manoeuvring" and said cabling and windows were damaged in the process causing windows to be boarded up.

"We haven't heard or seen any activity to suggest returning the Police station is a priority. It was my understanding that it required some extensive work before. I would certainly hope the relevant Ministry would give us a timetable and certainly keep to the election promise that we could see a return to a Police presence in St. George's."

Mr. Swan explained within the next three months, St. George's will become a busy area with the return of cruise ships and said Police presence is necessary to maintain the increased activity.

He added there are thousands of residents within a mile or two, east and west from the Police Station who would feel more comfortable with Police presence in the town.

He said with the nearest Police Station, Southside Station which is separated by a bridge, it is a commuter response team which becomes an out of sight, out of mind scenario.

"The essence of community policing must first start with having Police in your community. And not being in a situation where they come as a result of a call. I believe through Bermuda, what persons are saying is more preventative measures (are needed) as opposed to reactive measures."

This newspaper sent Sen. Burch three requests this week asking him for updates on work at St. George's Police Station. At press time last night, Sen. Burch had yet to respond to these inquiries.