Khyber Pass in Warwick. This week, reporter Libby Francis investigated what happened to the plan and learned that Warwick residents are still in favour of the idea.

More than ever, Warwick residents want the Police sub-station they were promised 16 years ago.

In 1979, Government approved plans to build a sub-station in Warwick in conjunction with a nursery day-care centre and new post office. The post office and nursery were built at the foot of Khyber Pass. The station never was.

The reason? The Police felt then that they could be as or more effective responding to incidents with radio cars, which would also mean that Police were locked into one area.

But with crime spiralling, many Warwick residents say the sub-station, located on Middle Road near gathering areas like PHC Stadium and Hayward's Gorcery, would be an effective way of deterring criminals.

Health and Social Services Minister the Hon Mr. Quinton Edness, who was Minister of Community Affairs at the time Government approved the original plans, said he was all for it then.

"I still am today,'' he said. "It was approved by Government and at one time there was money being put in the Budget for such a sub-station which was suppose to have been attached to the clinic that was subsequently built there.

"However, at that time the Police policy was not in favour of a sub-Police station in that area. The opposing view was that the Police were mobile and better use could be made of them in other parts of the Island as well as Warwick.'' Mr. Edness added that it was thought that if a problem broke out in that part of Warwick, through communication and transportation Police could be on the scene in quick time, and better use could be made of Police manpower.

But residents and shopowners said that some instances, they have to call on the Somerset Police and just wait for an officer to come.

Cedar Hill resident Mr. Edward Tucker said he was still in favour of the idea.

"There are a lot of guys racing up and down the roads in this area and there are drugs being dispatched,'' he said. "It is disgusting.

"A lot of guys congregate around here making it hard for senior citizens.

It's just too much for us and even for some of the younger people.'' Mr. Walter Wilson said he too felt a station was necessary.

"The station would present a presence and it would hopefully cut down on the crime. It would also clean up the street-sitters who sometimes put a humbug on business.

"I am in agreement with having a Police station but it never materialised when the idea first came about.'' But Mr. Shae DeShields, 16, said he would not want to see a Police station in the area because "it would be too much of a hassle''.

Mr. Terence Burgess said a sub-station would make people in the area more timid.

"Right now the guys around here have the freedom to hang around and speed around. There is nothing but madness in this area. A Police station would make people feel like they cannot get away with some of the things that happen.

"It would also clean up the aesthetic quality of the Warwick community. It would definitely make a difference.'' A 73-year-old female resident said she has lived in Warwick for several years and has seen "this place go down and certain things happen that are very disturbing. I agree that a Police station is needed here.

"Most of the residents would feel safer if there was a station here if something happens. In Warwick we have to call the Somerset Police station and wait. It is ridiculous.'' An 82-year-old female resident, who has lived in the Cedar Hill area for 41 years, said there was always a lot of trouble in Warwick.

"There are a lot of dope dealers and people speeding up and down the streets.

I'm afraid to go out at night. It's terrible on the hill.'' The woman also said having a Police sub-station in Warwick would curb some of the problems. "I think the station would enable Police to get here faster.'' Mr. Percy Lambert said it was a good idea because "these guys are hanging around here cursing and swearing. It is disgusting. I think a Police station would be a good thing to have. It will keep the people off the streets and hopefully keep the crime down.'' Businesses in the area across from PHC also felt a Warwick Police station was needed to help combat or scare away some of the problems.

Co-owner of Sports Source Mr. Paul Hayward said having a Police station would help but "we can't expect one organisation to help stop the problem it has to be done collectively.

"Drugs are a common problem in this area. A Police station would help the situation and make me feel more secure. It would be an asset.'' Manager of Hayward's Liquor Mr. Marcus Williams said he felt the station was necessary not just because "guys hang out in the area but because it is a high density area between Somerset and Hamilton.

"A Police station presence would make it easier for Police to patrol and respond to problems.'' A grocery store owner in the neighbourhood said a sub-station would be some help however: "It is evident that Police or someone doesn't want to clean the problem up.'' Operations manager of the Bermuda Pest Control Mr. Walter Saul said if it was in the Budget, "a Police station would do a lot of good for the Warwick community.

"We have schools around here and children going to the store have to pass groups of people hanging out who may offer them stuff to try.

"I doubt drug dealers would be brazen enough to sell drugs outside of a Police station. It would help the community, and it would be a positive benefit.'' Mr. Edness added that he had disagreed with the Police policy and felt what the area needed was a "consistent Police presence that would not only be along the stretch from the rubber tree at Khyber Pass to Warwick Secondary School but that they would get to know the entire Warwick community, where they seemed to have a growth rate in crime.

"I would hope that the Police, in their new evaluation of how best to police Bermuda, would see the need to have a sub-Police station in Warwick. I think it is even more essential to help to curb the abuse of illegal drugs in that area.'' Mr. Edness also said that while he subscribes to more effective Police presence in Warwick he also feels that there is a need for other types of services to deal specifically with some of the problems associated with young people in the area.

He added: "I would like to see those who come into the areas in Warwick to peddle drugs dealt with most severally by the Police.'' Police were asked yesterday about the status of the 16-year-old promise, but had not responded by last night.

The Hon. Irving Pearman, Minister of Delegated and Legislative Affairs, could not be reached for comment yesterday.

NO POLICE STATION -- This is the area in Warwick where Government proposed to build a Police sub-station in 1979. However, it never materialised and residents feel there is definitely still a need.The Hon. Quinton Edness