July 17, 2012 10.08 am This story is over 140 months old

Residents invited to discuss police station closure

Concerns solved: A community meeting has been called to let residents discuss concerns with Lincolnshire Police.

— Update on July 18 @ 1.15pm: Chairman of the Lincolnshire Police Authority Councillor Barry Young or Lincolnshire Police will not be in attendance of this meeting. The meeting was called by Councillor Neil Murray to invite residents to air any concerns regarding policing in the city. However, Lincolnshire Police will be holding a seperate meeting open to the public, involving a number of representatives, on July 31.

Lincoln residents concerned about the closure of West Parade Police Station have been invited to ask questions at a community meeting.

It will take place on Thursday, July 19, at St Mary Le Wigford Church near the railway crossing on the High Street.

The session will begin at 7.45pm and gives the public an opportunity to share their views on G4S and the potential station closure.

Chairman of the Lincolnshire Police Authority Councillor Barry Young will answer questions from residents and fellow councillors.

Members of the City and County councils will also be attending.

Discussions will focus on four key areas:

  • The plans by private security firm G4S to sell off the West Parade Police Station for housing developments
  • The job cuts that will take place at Lincolnshire Police
  • Cutting officer numbers and presence in the city
  • How the cuts will affect the level of policing in Lincoln

The government has slashed the national police budget by 20%, and this has led to different forces looking for ways to save money.

Closing the West Parade Police Station is a possible financial decision that could be made by Lincolnshire Police, raising concern in the city.

Carholme City Councillor Neil Murray called Thursday’s meeting and said: “I have called the meeting after the chair of the police authority failed to respond to enquiries I made on behalf of the Carholme Community Forum.”