Mr Kennedy said the station was strategically important

Speaking after meeting police commanders in County Armagh, Danny Kennedy said he was reassured about the future of bases in Loughgall, Tandragee and Markethill.

However, the Newry and Armagh MLA said he was concerned about proposals to close the station in Middletown.

"In terms of its strategic importance and its location right on the border, and given the very serious threat still posed by republican dissidents in the area, I think it is premature at this stage to close Middletown station," he said.

Armagh District Command Unit is examining the viability of the station, which is staffed by officers on a part-time basis.

Proposals

The police said in a statement earlier this week that an average of two people called each month into the station, which costs about �100,000 to run each year.

Extensive building work is needed, and the police believe the estimated costs involved are not "a prudent use of public funds".

Under new proposals, officers based in Keady would serve the Middletown area between 8am and midnight, with overnight cover provided by police in Armagh.

The PSNI has begun a consultation process on the future of Middletown's station which runs until 22 October.