Burnham-On-Sea Police Station may not have to close down after all thanks to two organisations moving in to share the building, it has emerged this week.
Sgt Ryan Edwards, speaking during this week’s Town Council meeting, revealed that two organisations are sharing office space in the Burnham Road station.
He said: “Homes In Sedgemoor and Knightstone Housing are to share office space in the station.”
“This means that keeping the station at the heart of the community is sustainable and a real boost for local policing.”
Speaking to Burnham-On-Sea.com, Sgt Edwards said that the long-term future of the station is looking brighter.
“This is great news, it’s looking more secure, but it’s still too early to say whether it will not close in the longer term.”
The possible closure of the station was first announced three years ago as part of a cost-saving excercise.
Police have been exploring the possibility of moving to other secure premises in Burnham-On-Sea, including the Fire Station in Marine Drive or the Library in Princess Street.
Sue Mountsevens, the region’s Police and Crime Commisioner, said in 2016 that Burnham Police Station is considerably bigger than needed, as reported here.
Burnham-On-Sea MP James Heappey welcomed the news that cost-sharing measures are being introduced at the town’s police station, which may help secure its future.
Mr Heappey said: “The decision to close Burnham Police Station – the last police station in North Sedgemoor – was always wrong headed and unpopular with the local community.”
“So, I welcome the news that a more savvy way of sharing the costs of the building might now allow the station to stay open.”
“Burnham and Highbridge residents have felt an increase in crime recently, including some particularly high profile and troubling incidents, and so a permanent police presence in the town provides some reassurance.”
“I hope this arrangement with Homes in Sedgemoor and Knightstone Housing will stop further talk of closure.”
Also see:
Burnham Police Station is far bigger than needed, says PCC
Burnham-On-Sea Police Station to close as move to fire station nears
