Concerns raised over future of Vale police station

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CONCERNS over the possible closure of Evesham's police station have been raised by the town's MP Peter Luff who labelled the potential move as unacceptable.

The Mid-Worcestershire MP spoke out after fears were raised smaller police stations across the West Mercia force area such as the Abbey Road site could be axed as part of cost-saving plans.

Rumours were sparked following publication of West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner Bill Longmore's Draft Police and Crime Plan which sets out the future of policing in the area.

Mr Luff urged Mr Longmore not to increase the local tax paid by residents for policing, the precept, and to manage the resources available to the police to enable Evesham's police station to remain open.

"At a time of public spending restraint and at a time of great pressure on household budgets, I feel it would be inappropriate to increase the precept," he said.

"Should it be decided that West Mercia should do so, it would, I believe, be the only precepting authority in Worcestershire to impose an increase on my constituents.

"I recognise the financial challenge this poses, so my other point is a difficult one to make. There is an emphasis in the plan on neighbourhood policing, on empowering local communities and on pubic engagement.

"I welcome these but they would all be seriously undermined in Mid-Worcestershire should the closure of Evesham police station be proposed.

"Any such closure would be unacceptable to the communities affected and I trust the rumours circulating are without foundation," he added.

In response, Bill Longmore, said: "The estate will be looked at but any changes will be designed to maximise the effectiveness of police service provision.

"No decisions on estate changes have yet been made but revision and modernisation of the estate has always been a regular process," he added.

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