Police urged to think again (From Witney Gazette)

Police urged to think again

2:51pm Monday 3rd April 2006 in Witney By Andrew Alexander

ABOUT 80 people attended a meeting in Chipping Norton to discuss changes to opening times at the town's police station.

Chipping Norton was worst affected by countywide changes announced last month, with opening hours reduced by 23 hours a week.

The station will remain manned 24 hours a day, but under the new timetable, will only be open to the public from 10am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. On average, 17 people visit the station a day, mainly because of a court order, to produce driving documents, or to report a car accident, or to report lost and found property. The public meeting at the town hall was chaired by former mayor, Jo Graves, and those attending included district councillor Michael Howes, Witney MP David Cameron, Supt Paul Emmings, neighbourhood manager, Sgt Clare Mackintosh, and station front counter manager, Peter Owen-Smith.

Speaking afterwards, Mr Howes said: "I think the main thing is they're aware of our concerns, and hopefully we can negotiate something from it. We want them to stop and think, and to win back the goodwill that the majority of people here have for the police."

Mr Cameron, who was only able to attend part of the meeting, said: "I think the issue is the police haven't consulted people. I think there's a case for looking at alternatives, like civilian employees, or the use of volunteers, which has worked elsewhere. I think the police should stop and look again."

Representatives from Thames Valley Police told the meeting the changes were not a cost-cutting exercise, but a redirection of resources. Speaking afterwards, area commander, Dennis Evernden, said: "While I am reluctant to see hours reduced at any front desk, I cannot take officers off the streets to keep the stations open, especially when there are very few callers.

"I think the issue is the police haven't consulted people."

David Cameron MP

"The police must visibly be out on the streets, making contact with their communities. The front desk will be open 10am to 6pm Monday to Friday, and residents can contact us via 08458 505505, or 999 in an emergency. Managing change is never easy, but there is a responsibility on managers to ensure we make the best use of public money. Almost always that will mean a small amount of change to meet the changing world we live in."