Both Ormskirk and Leyland police stations to close

Both Ormskirk and Leyland police station front counters will close next year, under new plans announced by Lancashire Constabulary.

The move follows a review carried out by the Constabulary and Police & Crime Commissioner which showed that as few as three people a day were visiting some of the counters, with people preferring to report incidents over the phone or online.

The closures will not affect the way areas are policed but, along with reduced opening hours at remaining front counters, will deliver over £1m in annual savings of the £19.8m that police in the county need to find by 2020.

The changes are based on a detailed business case which looked at front counter usage across Lancashire throughout the year. The proposals were then subject to public consultation by the Police and Crime Commissioner, Clive Grunshaw, which saw 91 responses.

Feedback from the public and stakeholders has been reviewed but no viable alternatives have been presented to deliver the savings needed. The front counter at Clitheroe police station will be subject to ongoing discussions with Ribble Valley Borough Council to explore the viability of proposals made during the consultation.

Chief Superintendent Pete Lawson, Head of Contact and Response, said: “The decision to close some of our front counters has not been taken lightly. It follows what has been a very thorough review and a period of staff and public consultation.

“That review showed a significant decline in visitor numbers – some down to changes in processes like immigration checks and some vehicle checks which have moved online, but in the main it is due to improved technology and greater use of phones.”

He added: “Members of the public in the affected areas will still be able to contact local officers, engage with local policing teams and gain the help and support they need; it is just the way they do it which will change.”

The closures will start to come into effect early in 2018.

Members of the public will still have access to the yellow telephones at each station and where appropriate will be able to make appointments to see local officers at the stations. Neighbouring stations will still be available for all other business.

The Constabulary will now work to minimise the impact on affected staff. Informal consultation with staff and unions has been on-going for some time with both groups involved in determining the future shape of the front counter service.