Crowland resident calls to re-open disused police stations

Does Lincolnshire need a better police presence?

That is the question asked by Crowland resident Rodney Sadd, who describes his local law enforcement presence as being a ‘sweep through the town in a police van’.

Mr Sadd also suggested that unused police stations could be re-opened and used as ‘a hub for better response times regarding incidents’.

“With Lincolnshire being such a large county and thousands of new homes planned over the next few decades, surely there is a case for a better police presence throughout our local communities,” he said.

“Take Crowland, where I live. I note the police station has been closed for sometime and community policing is a sweep through the town in a police van.

“With towns and rural communities getting bigger these empty buildings could be utilised as a hub for better community policing.

“The hub could cover the town and several of the surrounding areas providing a better response time regarding incidents and giving the public more confidence in the police.”

Last year statistics showed there were 1,136 police officers in Lincolnshire, the fourth lowest from the 43 forces across England and Wales.

However, Mr Sadd hopes that some community-spirited locals - and more public meetings with officers - could be the answer.

He continued: “I understand our neighbouring town of Market Deeping has a part-time opening policy at their police station and they rely on volunteers to signpost people with issues at the help desk.

“Again with a growing population, the police numbers in comparison have been slashed and the people who commit crimes don’t do it part-time.

“There could be better opportunities for the police to meet the local community. Sessions like this instil confidence and a partnership approach in our community.”

Mr Sadd continued by asking others to make their thoughts known to the authorities.

“I would urge all concerned residents to lobby their local representative as I understand my local parish council has been lobbying for years,” he added. “We need more weight to be added to the cause and we might get heard amongst the current turmoil we find ourselves in.”

We have approached Lincolnshire Police for comment on Mr Sadd’s suggestions.

Earlier this year we exclusively revealed there are just 77 police officers based in South Holland - although bosses say these are supplemented by others outside the district.