MP raises concerns over Craven police cuts (From Craven Herald)

MP raises concerns over Craven police cuts

10:00am Saturday 20th October 2012 in News

Skipton MP Julian Smith has expressed concerns about proposals that would move traffic officers out of Craven.

His comments come as North Yorkshire Police looks at reducing its traffic bases from seven to four as a way of saving money.

Craven District Council has already raised concerns and now Mr Smith is planning to write to the Chief Constable to pass on his worries and those of constituents who have contacted him.

Mr Smith said: “I am deeply concerned of the impact of not having a traffic policing presence in Skipton covering Craven’s road network.

“I am worried that covering Craven from elsewhere in North Yorkshire would result in longer waits for traffic police to arrive on the scene of incidents on our many rural roads that have high rates of accidents.

“I have asked to speak to the Chief Constable so I can pass on my views directly and I hope the concerns of residents in Craven are listened to in the current review.”

Concerns have also been raised by parish councils.

“We would be extremely concerned to see any changes which would further negatively impact the police presence in this area,” said Nicola Saward, from Clapham cum Newby Parish Council, in a letter to Craven District Council.

Ingleton Parish Council has also objected and is writing to Mr Smith, the chief constable, area commander and local county councillors.