Don’t panic! Policing changes won’t negatively impact Hungerford, authorities insist

POLICE have insisted that changes to Hungerford cover will not affect the town negatively.

This is despite the plans having been branded “potentially catastrophic” by town mayor Helen Simpson.

She said previously: “The Hungerford area will soon be grouped together with Thatcham – thus creating an ever bigger region for the neighbourhood team to police.

“[This] will be a huge blow to our community.

“The Thatcham sergeant will now look after Hungerford and Downlands as well as Thatcham.

“This is a huge area to cover and will result in Hungerford getting the worst outcome.”

Mrs Simpson organised a meeting of stakeholders to discuss the changes.

Following that meeting, the following joint statement was released: “On Friday, June 6, [Newbury MP] Lee Dillon hosted a meeting for [Mrs Simpson] Denise Gaines [Lib Dem, Hungerford and Kintbury], [police and crime commissioner] Matthew Barber, and Ch Insp Emma Tompkins of Thames Valley Police.

“The meeting discussed the new neighbourhood policing structure whereby the sergeant role, which previously covered Hungerford, Lambourn District, Bucklebury and Downlands, now also covers Thatcham.

“At the meeting, Thames Valley Police reiterated previous reassurance that this change is not expected to have any negative impact on policing locally.

“The area continues to be served by a team of dedicated neighbourhood police constables and police community support officers, two of whom are stationed in Hungerford.

“In addition to neighbourhood teams, there are 24/7 police response teams and other specialist teams that serve the community.

“Thames Valley Police re-confirmed that these new arrangements are subject to review and so it was agreed these representatives would convene a further meeting in the autumn by which time it will be possible to assess the impact of the new structure and make changes if required.”