Staffordshire Police confirmed today that Stone police station WILL be closed down – but promised that it would only happen when alternative accommodation in the town can be found.
Chief Constable Mike Cunningham said possible new sites could include sharing buildings or moving into schools, church halls, libraries and shops.
He said: “Every pound I spend on buildings means that that’s not a pound I have to save in terms of police officers and police staff, and we deliver our services through people not through buildings. My promise is this, that I will not close any police stations, I will not move officers out of any police stations unless and until alternative accommodation can be found in that local community.”
The force announced today that nine police stations are to close. They also announced that another 260 serving police officers will lose their jobs as it continues to find ways to save £22 million over the next two years.
From November this year, all officers with over 30 years service will be required to leave. This latest announcement is on top of 280 job cuts already made.
Where would you like to see Stone’s police officers based in the town?
3 comments
Phil Barber
My concern is the prospect of the police land and buildings being sold for developed into yet more flats. the car park in Northesk street could be under threat and under concrete. If this happens the north end of our town will become inviable as a commercial zone and shops will have to be converted to residential use.
If we are not very careful our town will be charity shops and market stalls.
Dr P Cartwright
Q. Where would you like to see Stone’s police officers based in the town?
A. My simple answer: I would like Stone’s police officers based in the town from Stone’s Police Station with a visible and regular walking beat around the town, housing estates, industrial estates, parks and surrounding countryside. This is what the local community would pro-actively support and desire, in my opinion. Does anybody disagree?