MP calls on public to make sure their views are heard over police plans
South Lakes MP Tim Farron has today called on local residents to make themselves heard over the consultation on the future of policing in the county.
The number of front desks open to the public atCumbria's Police stations could be slashed from 17 to 5 - with only two of those inSouth Cumbria. Money saving measures could see only Barrow and Kendal stay open full time, with part time hours at Ulverston and Windermere. The constabulary are looking at four options for the future of front desks, after a 20% cut to their annual budget.
The first option would see police front counter services reduce from 17 that are currently available across the county, to five main premises only - Barrow, Kendal, Workington, Whitehaven andCarlisle- with reduced hours of opening.
• The second option would see police front counter services at five main premises (as detailed in option one) and part time opening times at a further five locations - Ulverston, Windermere, Cockermouth,Bramptonand Penrith.
• The third option involves using other agencies (such as local councils or fire stations) to provide access to police services to support either option one or two.
• Option four suggests making better use of existing resources like mobile police stations and vandal proof phones at police premises to enable members of the public to get in quick contact with police.
Police are inviting people to comment on the proposals and has produced a questionnaire, which it will publish on its website (www.cumbria.police.uk) and will be available at front counters. Members of the public can complete the questionnaire and return it to a local police station or by post to Chief Inspector Mairi Stamper, Cumbria Constabulary Police Headquarters,Penrith,Cumbria. CA10 2AU.
The consultation ends on the 31st of May.
Tim said: "The staff who work for Cumbria Police are trusted and well known throughout the South Lakes for putting our community first - they really do go the extra mile for our area and I want police bosses to make sure they are open, honest and fair with the staff - I will be doing all I can to make sure they are. I hope that local residents make themselves heard over these plans."