Newbury police station not affected by cuts

But Pangbourne front counter will close from April 2016 as part of cost-cutting measures

NEWBURY police station will not be affected by cuts, it was confirmed today.

However, Pangbourne police station's front counter is one of 18 earmarked for closure from April 2016.

Thames Valley Police says that each visit to a front counter costs the Force between £2.34 and £20.75.

The changes are part of a wider programme to save £29m by 2021.

Police and Crime Commissioner Anthony Stansfeld said: “With a smaller budget and an ever increased demand on policing, it is vital that we look at ways we can improve the way we operate."

Ten front counters across Oxfordshire are set to close including those in Wantage and Didcot.

Deputy Chief Constable John Campbell said:“The way people interact with the police is changing; the public want to contact us at a time and place that’s convenient to them.

"We have found that more people are engaging with us on the phone, online or through our social media channels rather than visiting their local police station.

“Earlier this year we undertook a review of the varying services provided at front counters, the public usage and the associated costs. Analysis of demand has shown us that fewer people are visiting our front counters, especially overnight, therefore we are revising this provision.

“Staff at our front counters have been notified of our proposed changes and are being consulted with. At this stage no staff have been put at risk.

“I wish to reassure the public we are by no means withdrawing from our communities and the availability and visibility of police officers to attend incidents is not affected by front counter opening times. Across the Thames Valley we have substantial resources to deploy to any incident.”