Front desk of new £6m Market Drayton police station 'not value for money'

The issue was discussed at a heated meeting on community and governance in Market Drayton, which was attended by Bill Longmore, Shropshire's police and crime commissioner.

He was quizzed on a number of issues including the closure of the front desk at Market Drayton police station.

During the meeting, which was held at the Town Hall chamber on Frogmore Road , town councillor Mark Whittle said: "We have a very nice brand new police station which cost about £6 million - why is it closed to the general public 100 per cent of the time?"

Mr Longmore said keeping the counter open was "not value for money".

He added: "I wasn't supportive of the idea of closing front counters of police stations at the start. But having looked at all the facts I could see the amount of people using police stations had diminished rapidly.

"The average was about six to 10 people attending a day. A lot only had one to two visitors.

"In the last couple of weeks I have reviewed the stations in West Mercia because we have to make sure we have got it right. And it some cases I do not think we have.

"The police are looking at new technology at stations so people can see who they are talking to.

"I wish I could make a case to keep Market Drayton front counter open but I can't.

"It is an expensive thing and the statistics do not support it. It is not good value for money.

"It is important we make best use of the station as we can. I am open to shared facilities."

Councillor Lee Ridgway said: "I am a bit confused as you say it is hard to justify putting someone on the desk as front line staff, but you support front line officers and officers getting out and meeting people."

Mr Longmore replied: "The costings do not make sense - but I do think police surgeries should be set up in Market Drayton."

Councillor Roger Hughes then asked: "Why did they waste all that money building a new police station when they knew they were cutting back?"

Mr Longmore said: "It was a decision made in the days of the police authority and a lot of changes have been made since.

"I think we could look at moving the police office if there was a viable option."

Councillor Val Taylor said: "There is quite an increase in how much we have to pay to the police. People have to travel to Shrewsbury to report an incident in Market Drayton because they cannot see anyone here. We have a brand new station - one of the best around - but we can't see an officer."

Mr Longmore replied: "You have made a good point. I am sure we can make things better. I can assure you I will discuss the policing in Market Drayton with the chief constable and find a better scheme to serve the people of Market Drayton. I am very much on your side."

Policing in the the town will now be discussed by police chiefs after complaints about difficulties reporting crime in the town.