Police have responded to criticism over the time taken to fully reopen the South Dunedin community police station by saying repairs are in "full swing''.
A timeline for reopening it to the public was not provided.
Otago Coastal area commander Inspector Jason Guthrie said it was "regrettable'' it had taken so long for repairs to start and police "appreciate'' the public's patience.
Dunedin South MP Clare Curran, Dunedin City councillor John Bezett and South Dunedin Action Group spokesman Ray MacLeod all expressed concern in the Otago Daily Times yesterday the station had not reopened to the public after 11 months.
"There are around 10,000 people living in the wider South Dunedin area. [This is] a sizeable area that needs an on-the-ground, functioning police station. Community policing is vital,'' Ms Curran said.
The community police station in Macandrew Rd has been closed since flooding last June extensively damaged the ground floor.
Insp Guthrie said members of the South Dunedin community could still report crimes by calling 111 or the crime reporting line.
● Dunedin police (03) 471-4800
