Public’s chance to counter act

POLICE chiefs have launched a website to give residents a say on plans to close front counters.

The Chronicle revealed how Greater Manchester Police is reconsidering its moneysaving proposal to close local police station inquiry desks.

The possible U-turn came after residents in Oldham voiced their concern about shutting the front counters at a public meeting with Chief Constable Peter Fahy at Oldham Civic Centre.

Now a website has been launched — www.policingtomorrow.co.uk — to provide a platform for the public to have a say on the future of policing.

GMPA chairman, Councillor Paul Murphy, said: “We recognise that face-to-face contact with the police is important to our communities, which is why the Police Authority has emphasised the need for meaningful consultation with the public and our partners before any final decisions are made.

“Following discussions with GMP and listening to the concerns we’ve received so far from the public about the proposals, we have decided to extend the period of consultation.

“This will allow us to carry out a full and thorough analysis of how they are currently used and consult with our communities about how they contact the police service now and how they would like to in the future.”

Under the plans, Failsworth, Royton and Uppermill police stations would no longer use their counters, while the opening times at Oldham would be reduced from 24 hours to between 8am and 11pm and at Chadderton it would be open for an eight-hour period each day from Monday to Saturday.

Mr Fahy said: “Neighbourhood Policing remains at the heart of what we do and we want to provide you with easy access to your local officers.

“We will continue to provide contact locally through neighbourhood meetings and surgeries, arranging appointments and getting in touch by telephone, email or through social networks.

“We are committed to developing a service that can provide access to Greater Manchester Police in the most appropriate way possible and welcome your feedback.”

Victims of crime would make appointments instead or use a new non-emergency telephone number, 101.

Visitors to the site can also have their say on proposed changes to delivery of partnership working.

This includes continuing to embed neighbourhood policing with communities, ensuring local officers can work more closely with Home Watch and Pub Watch groups and build more links with local communities.

The initial results from the review of public enquiry counters will be considered in November.

Printed copies of the consultation questionnaire can be downloaded from the website or requested on 0161-793 3127.