Cheshire Constabulary is asking for residents feedback on plans to redevelop Wilmslow Police Station on Hawthorn Street and close the help desk.
A proposal is being put forward to create a new, zero carbon station at the site with a view to become fully operational in around Summer 2023.
The new station will help save money in both utilities and maintenance costs but will also allow the Constabulary to sell the remainder of the unused land.
The plans for Wilmslow Police Station do not include a help desk, which generally receives less than 20 visitors per week - instead there still be an exterior direct dial phone that connects to the police control room.
For those wanting to speak to someone face-to-face, community surgeries are held at Wilmslow Library, Dean Row Centre, Handforth Youth Centre and Festival Hall in Alderley Edge.
Local policing Superintendent Peter Crowcroft said: "I would like to reassure the public that these proposals will not reduce the level of service or the current police presence in Wilmslow.
"We would welcome any feedback from the public on these proposals as it is important for us to hear what our communities want.
"The current proposals supports the force's commitment for an estate that is fit for the future based on operational needs and to have a police service that is truly connected with its local communities.
"The decision will retain a police station within the local community and achieve cost savings that can be re-invested into neighbourhood policing."
More people than ever are now choosing to contact the force by phone or via online services and the Constabulary are looking to prioritise resources in these key areas in order to meet the demand from the public.
John Dwyer, Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire, said: "The Constabulary and I share a long term commitment to a policing presence in Wilmslow and these proposals demonstrate our determination that residents get the very best from us.
"Wilmslow deserves a state of the art station that is fit for the force that serves you. We want to hear your feedback as it's vital that we remain engaged with our communities, so make sure you have your say."
Anyone can report a crime, incident or looking to seek advice from the police can do so by reporting online here, calling non-emergency service 101 or direct general enquiries through the Cheshire Police Facebook and Twitter accounts.
In the case of an emergency or threat to life, always dial 999.
To have your say on the proposals please visit https://www.cheshire.police.uk/wilmslow-survey
Comments
Here's what readers have had to say so far. Why not add your thoughts below.
Too old fashioned?
Too costly?
I am afraid that i am cynical about the efficacy of dialling a number for assistance. A help desk does not have to have someone in attendance all the time anyway.
Carbon neutrality is all very worthy and politically trendy but frankly, i am not interested!
It’s not that frequent, and perhaps quite trivial, but overall it surely further distances us Residents from our police and the wide range of services we would expect from our precept payment.
Or, a Dean Row resident who had his car vandalised, who did not call the police because ‘it’s a waste of time, they never come out’.
And what gets better? Will Crime rates fall? Will Crime prevention improve?
And who wants to or can use Twitter or Facebook etc? It’s used by rogue states etc to promote fake news that damages the very fibre of our nation.
Feels like a rubber stamp job and that the deal is done.
You will still be able to take it to the police station. The only difference is that you will have to make an appointment first by calling 101!
Total footprint now AND likely footprint of re-jigged police station AND footprint of development site?