Burnham-On-Sea Police Station looks set to close when its staff move to a smaller, new location as part of a cost-cutting programme, it was revealed this week.
Sgt Ash Jones discussed the plans with town councillors when he addressed this week’s Town Council meeting, but he stressed that there would be no reduction in levels of service to residents.
“Avon and Somerset Constabulary are making changes and some alterations are coming to Burnham. There are plans to draw away a small number of officers from Burnham to the new regional police hub at Bridgwater’s Express Parkway,” he said.
He added: “We are also looking at moving out of the current police station into a location elsewhere in Burnham.”
Sgt Jones was keen to point out that the public would see no reduction in service. “There will be no reduction in the numbers of beat managers or PCSOs in the town. A sergeant will also continue to be based here.”
“Our commitment to Burnham and Highbridge will not be reduced in any way. The service will not be reduced.”
But Cllr Neville Jones questioned the changes. “I am surprised that you are considering moving out of the current police station. It is an ideal position.”
And Cllr Louise Parkin asked whether police would move into another shared building or to another police station.
Sgt Jones replied: “It’s possible we could co-locate with other public services or partners. All options will be looked at on a case-by-case basis.”
Cllr Helen Groves told this week’s meeting: “I am concerned about the plans and am not sure that we will see the same police service as we have now in Burnham and Highbridge.”
Sgt Jones again repeated that the proposals “would not affect levels of service”.
Cllr Ken Smout added: “While current low crime rates in Burnham and Highbridge are good for residents, they are not so good news for the police because they have less of a case to retain the same numbers of officers or facilities here. The change is inevitable.”
Some 134 police officers will lose their jobs over the next 12 months across the whole force region, as reported here last month. In total, the force has to save £42million over the next four years to keep in line with the latest Government spending review.
