Closing counters

PUBLIC enquiry desks at three of our neighbourhood police stations are to close in April, it has been confirmed.

Greater Manchester Police Authority agreed plans to close 33 of 55 front counters in a move that will save the force £1.5million.

Locally, it means the public will no longer be able to call into Failsworth, Royton and Uppermill police stations as from Tuesday, April 10.

The authority revealed 2,500 people took part in the consultation exercise to have their say on the plans.

Like each borough under Greater Manchester Police, Oldham retains two enquiry desks at Oldham and Chadderton stations — although opening hours are expected to be reduced.

GMPA chairman, Councillor Paul Murphy, said: “After listening to the views of the public and staff and reviewing the results of the demand analysis, we are confident that GMP can continue to provide a face-to-face service which meets the needs of the public with 22 enquiry counters open to the public.

“As part of our plans to find savings of £134m by 2015, we need to ensure that we concentrate our resources where they have the biggest impact so that our communities receive an efficient, effective police service.”

Uptake of voluntary redundancies and staff requests to work reduced hours means no compulsory redundancies are anticipated.

The changes come after it was revealed visitor numbers had fallen by almost half since 2009.

But police have moved to assure locals that neighbourhood services will not see a drop in standards. Assistant Chief Constable Garry Shewan said: “Neighbourhood policing remains at the heart of what we do and we will continue to provide contact locally with officers at neighbourhood meetings and surgeries, arranging appointments and getting in touch by telephone, email or through social networks.

“We will continue to listen to the views of our communities to help shape the future delivery of policing in Greater Manchester.”