A PETITION launched by MP Chris Bloore to get a front desk installed in the newly-redeveloped Redditch Police and Fire Station has amassed over 1,000 signatures.
This comes after politicians from across the political divide called for one last month.
Speaking in the House of Commons, Mr Bloore paid tribute to Redditch’s hardworking neighbourhood policing team but said residents were rightly frustrated they now had to travel around 20 miles to speak face-to-face with an officer.
He has been supported by four borough councillors, Conservative leader Coun Matt Dormer, Independent Coun Joe Baker, leader Coun Sharon Harvey and Green Party Coun Claire Davies.
The councillors have written to West Mercia Police and Crime Comissioner John Campion to address their concerns.
They said: “The initial impression is one of an office block with the service behind closed doors, remote and unapproachable.
“On your website you describe your vision as ‘a people-led, tech-enabled, crime fighting service’ with ‘public first’ listed as your primary value.
“For the people of Redditch, this means a police service which is friendly, accessible and easy to contact in times of need.
“Residents often complain filling in an online form is impersonal and they do not feel confident the information will be processed quickly and efficiently.”
They have asked Mr Campion to consider how a public-facing service could be reinstated in Redditch and have pledged to work together to achieve this.
Visit chrisbloore.co.uk/police-front-desk to sign the petition.
WHAT do you think? Would you like to see a front counter at Redditch Police Station? Or maybe you would prefer other methods be set up for community policing.
Email [email protected] with your views.
