Fear of closure threat to police stations

6:13pm Friday 18th July 2008

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Policing in the district could change dramatically.

There are fears that a potential overspend on a new "super station" in Harrogate will cost residents in some parts of Craven the loss of their police stations.

Both Cross Hills and Settle stations are rumoured to be in line for closure, to be replaced with "shop front" type facilities.

Councillor Stephen Place said he was told by a "good source" that it was the intention of North Yorkshire Police to close stations at Cross Hills, Settle, Knares-borough and Ripon by November 2009 as a cost-saving measure.

"I have been told there could be a huge overspend on the facility in Harrogate and there is not the funding available to complete it," said Coun Place.

"This has meant the police are assessing their assets and two reports are due to be discussed at a meeting today (Friday) - one a property report and the other about personnel.

"My fear is that the loss of some of these stations will result in a reduction of manpower. This is the third time they have tried to close Cross Hills. I am worried it will mean officers will be stationed at Skipton, giving less cover for North and South Craven."

Inspector Kevin Franks confirmed he had been asked to look for alternative premises for Cross Hills and Settle areas but, as far as he knew, there were no plans to reduce manpower.

"These plans are a long way into the future and I don't think we have heard the last of it yet. There is bound to be a lot of public reaction and people will have their concerns," he said.

A North Yorkshire Police spokesman said consultations were being carried out into the future of the county's policing and £27 million was being invested. But he would not confirm whether this was going to be the cost for the development in Harrogate.

A statement read: "North Yorkshire Police can confirm a £27 million investment in the future of policing in the county.

"Full details of the Estate Transformation Strategy will be released later this year after consultation has been carried out but it will build on the successful implementation of Safer Neighbourhoods and the commitment by the force to put policing at the heart of our communities.

"The aim is to provide police bases for officers, staff and the public that are fit for the purpose of policing the 21st century. Over the past 12 months a detailed review has taken place into the suitability of every police station in the force area.

"The force is moving away from the old system where one large, unsuitable and often remote building acted as a police station for many communities. Instead we will have police bases at the heart of our communities.

"Over 40 new community bases will be established within the next two years with more to follow afterwards and old, outdated buildings sold off or used in a more appropriate way.

"In larger conurbations, where police stations remain a sound option, they will be modernised or replaced with new builds. These bases will be local, accessible and reflective of the particular community they serve. This is a natural development in the progression towards excellence in policing our local communities even more effectively.

"They will be equipped with the latest technology to allow officers to spend more time out on the streets, not stuck for hours behind a desk or in transit."

Chief Constable Grahame Maxwell said North Yorkshire crime and detection figures are among the best in the UK, thanks to the dedication and commitment of staff and officers, despite many stations being inappropriate for the 21st century: "The Estate Transformation Strategy will provide North Yorkshire Police and the public with bases fit for purpose and at the heart of our communities."

Tony Hargreaves, police authority lead member on estates matters, said: "We hope to be able to give details about individual sites later this year but clearly, when dealing with property disposals and acquisitions, we need to maintain a large amount of confidentiality to allow us to negotiate the best deals for the council tax payer.

"In addition, negotiations are under way with local authorities and other partners and it is only when these are complete and the public have been given a chance to have their say that we can agree implementation dates."