POLICE in Skipton could share offices with Craven District Council as part of a review of policing in North Yorkshire.

Although no decision has been made and there are no plans to shut the town's police station, a move to Belle Vue Mills in Broughton Road is being seen as a positive move.

Both Police and Crime Commissioner Julia Mulligan and Assistant Chief Constable Ken McIntosh pointed out the benefits of working with other relevant agencies – such as housing and children's services – under the same roof.

They were also keen to stress how little the police station in Otley Road is used, how there is increasing use of social media as a way of alerting people and that when savings need to be made, it is better to focus on maintaining services than buildings.

And although they acknowledged there will be an issue with car parking at the council offices, which are also shared by North Yorkshire County Council, a willingness to talk by Craven Council would be welcomed.

At last week's two-day presentation at Belle Vue Square, Mrs Mulligan said: "To have all the services together in one place, would be far more effective.

"I know there would be issue with car parking, but there is the fire and rescue station over the road and most cars would not be here for most of the time."

Mrs Mulligan stressed a review of police 'estates' is part of the wide-ranging review of policing, and any changes in Skipton would not happen for at least two years.

She added: "I can understand why people feel the way they do about the police station, but it is just a building. It is the police officers who do the business, not the building."

The joint police and crime commissioner and police review is looking at policing across the whole county, and although it is not a formal consultation, residents' feedback is being welcomed.

ACC McIntosh said a large part of police business is taken up by people also known by partner agencies, which would make joint working more practical.

And he pointed to the success of Scarborough, where police and partner agencies are 'co-located' in a type of one-stop shop.

The police are also increasingly using social media, Twitter and Facebook to get their message across, and it has proved very successful in some areas, including locating missing persons.

But for those not au fait with social media, there is also Neighbourhoood Watch, Rural Watch and Farm Watch.

Mrs Mulligan is also looking into the 101 service following complaints from members of the public.