The fate of Winsford police station remains uncertain as the police and crime commissioner for Cheshire has delayed making a final decision about its relocation after a public consultation revealed concerns.
Police and crime commissioner for Cheshire John Dwyer has asked the Constabulary to provide additional information before he decides whether to give the green light to Chief Constable Dave Whatton’s proposal to move the town’s police station and its help desk from its current location on Collingham Way to premises within Cheshire Constabulary Headquarters on Oakmere Road, saving £42,000 in annual running costs.
Almost 300 people responded to a public consultation on the proposal, which was conducted over a four week period in February and March, and a majority of 18 respondents were not in favour of the move.
Accessibility and public transport were cited as reasons for concern.
If the relocation is approved, a police post would be created in the town centre, allowing PCs and PCSOs to complete paperwork without having to return to the headquarters.
Mr Dwyer said: “I have been given details of all of the comments made by the public and staff and it is clear that locally some people are worried about what is being proposed.
“I have therefore asked the chief constable to undertake more research on how the public are using the current police station and provide me with a more detailed description of both the proposed new police station within the HQ complex and the proposed police post that would be based in the town centre itself.
“I have also asked that issues of accessibility are discussed with appropriate community organisations.
“The constabulary will report its findings to me at the end of May and I will make a decision at that time.”
Mayor of Winsford Mike Kennedy said he has received objections from members of the public on the grounds that there is insufficient public transport available to reach the proposed site.
“I would agree with all of these comments and say the police station situated where it is could not be more ideal.
“The public transport links mooted in the survey are non-existent, thus preventing those residents without transport any form of personal access,” he said.
“The police station being where it is located is ideal for all parts of the town, with regular bus links and situated opposite the main shopping precinct.”
