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Concerns over the closure of the holding cells at Kensington police station have arisen amid a spate of shootings and claims of escapes at the cop shop.

Ward councillor Cheslyn Steenberg has lodged a complaint with the Parliamentary Police Portfolio Committee, outlining the issues following a three-year battle for improvement of the building.

Steenberg said operations at the holding cells were put on hold several years ago when police discovered a snake was in the water pipes.

"When I was the chairperson of the Community Policing Forum many years ago, we were told that all of the troubles started with a snake in the piping system," Steenberg said.

"After that it was found that the ventilation system was inadequate to house detainees who have not yet appeared in court.

"Representatives from the national departments visited the station and found the holding cells to be inhabitable and it was subsequently shut."

He says police then undertook to transport all detainees daily to Maitland police station where they are held in custody until they appear in court.

Steenberg said the community was left vulnerable as opportunistic criminals used this time to carry out shootings.

"Because the gangs know that at the shift change the cops are transporting detainees to Maitland there is no van in the area and that is when they shoot.

"The problems with the holding cells now poses a serious risk to the safety of residents who are now vulnerable to the elements so wrote the letter to the portfolio committee to raise these concerns. I saw that the matter was referred to Saps but we have not heard back as yet."

Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, Ian Cameron, confirmed they received the letter and said the committee is concerned.

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