Burnham-On-Sea Police Station’s enquiry office looks set to move into the town’s library when the station closes as part of financial cutbacks, Somerset’s Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) has said this week.
Speaking to Burnham-On-Sea.com, Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens said: “I would like to reassure residents that there will always be a local police presence in Burnham-On-Sea with plans for the enquiry office to move into the library.”
She added: “The fact is that with fewer resources I have to prioritise people over buildings.”
“I made it clear in 2014 that I would reduce over-sized and under-used police buildings by 36% in order to focus funding on police officer and PCSOs.”
Burnham-On-Sea.com reported here last year that Burnham’s Police Station is earmarked to close.
But Mark Weston, the Police and Crime Commissioner Conservative candidate, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “I do not support the closure of Burnham-On-Sea Police Station. I regard it as an important part of the fabric of community policing.”
“I believe that the station is especially important in the summer when people flock to Brean. The station serves as the hub for policing the massive increase in people coming to the area.”
“I believe that since the financial situation has improved over what was previously expected that we have the flexibility to review the planned closure plans and think again at how we best serve local communities across Somerset, including here in Burnham.”
The debate comes as residents across the Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge area will go to the polls for the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) election on Thursday 5th May.
Also see:
Burnham-On-Sea Police Station to close as move to fire station nears
Burnham voters set to go the polls to choose police commissioner
