Police station closure consultation 'pointless'
THERE was no point in consulting with the public on plans to close Tewkesbury police station, its bosses have said.
During a press conference about Gloucestershire Constabulary's intention to move its base in the town to the borough council's offices, officials said staying in the cramped Barton Street building was simply not an option.
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relocation: Councillor Claire Wright, council's lead member for safer, stronger and healthier communities, and Local Policing Commander Superintendent Emma Ackland
Asked about public concern that there had been no consultation regarding the switch, local policing commander Superintendent Emma Ackland said: "The cost of staying where we are would be astronomical so there was no other option. There was no point in going out to public consultation as we knew what the outcome would be."
The event also heard that the police hoped to switch to the council's Gloucester Road site in June.
Benefits
Reporters were told that the new set-up was largely driven by the police force's need to save £18 million over four years but that there would be many benefits to it, to the council and to the public as a result of the change.
They included there being more room for the 45 constables, 10 sergeants, three inspectors and 18 community support officers covering Tewkesbury borough.
Supt Ackland said there would be better access for police vehicles and officers would be in a better position to protect vulnerable members of society. They would, she said, liaise with the county council's adult care and children and young people's service, which moved to the borough council's site a year ago.
She added: "This is a fantastic opportunity that will strengthen partnership working and most importantly create a better opportunity to share information, identify vulnerability and act quickly to put early interventions in place to keep people safe from harm."
The council's lead member for safer, stronger and healthier communities, Councillor Claire Wright, said: "This move really is excellent news for Tewkesbury borough. By bringing these services under the same roof, we are able to offer better value for our taxpayers as well as, where possible, providing a combined approach to issues by the three organisations."
News that the police would be closing both Tewkesbury's and Churchdown's police stations and moving officers to the council site was announced last month. The existing stations are set to be sold off.
Police opening hours will be from 9am to 5pm.
12 Comments
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by Alphonso2
Tuesday, January 31 2012, 3:36AM
“If officers are based at Tewkesbury, then 40-60 minutes of each officer's shift will consist of driving to and from their patrol area.
What a shocking waste of resources.”
by L_escalier
Monday, January 16 2012, 10:19AM
“When I first read this story, I thought the police meant that a consultation had been conducted, but they thought it was needless. That they didn't bother in the first place is scandalous.”
by Alchemies
Monday, January 16 2012, 9:48AM
“Alphonso, my comment was a double-edged sword.”
by Alphonso2
Monday, January 16 2012, 3:13AM
“Alchemies and womanwonder,
Try telling that to the people in Churchdown whose policing team is moving to Tewkesbury”
by capital1978
Sunday, January 15 2012, 8:49PM
“Well done the police. Too many meaningless consultations. At least we now know that when they do consult they really mean it. If only the Health and Councils would follow suit”
by Alchemies
Sunday, January 15 2012, 7:39PM
“Doubtless the police will be as effective in the new premises as in the old.”
by womanwonder
Sunday, January 15 2012, 7:08PM
“I can't see a problem with moving the Police Station to the Council Offices. How often do members of the public actually go into the Station? and if you need to visit it will be easier to park. The only people going to the Police Station often are those with reporting conditions on their Bail or perhaps surrendering to it. Don't moan just for the sake of something to do...try to look for the advantages.The Police cars will be on the outskirts of town and it will be easier to get to an incident.”
by Alphonso2
Sunday, January 15 2012, 6:35PM
“If anybody in the Met had dared to say this, the resulting storm would have made the national news.
Are we prepared to roll over in the face of this patronising statement?”
by SELINA30
Saturday, January 14 2012, 1:11PM
“Surprise surprise”
by Alphonso2
Saturday, January 14 2012, 12:07PM
“"officers would be in a better position to protect vulnerable members of society. They would, she said, liaise with the county council's adult care and children and young people's service"
Another tenuous attempt to justfy the move. I imagine that police officers and county council staff have access to phones and email? Being in the same building will only be of use for the occasional case conference.”