Volunteers who revived police station in line for national gong

A team of volunteers who saved a cash-strapped police station from closure could be in line for a national award.

Market Deeping Police Station was threatened with closure at the the start of the year but seven dedicated volunteers stepped in to save the vital community service.

Thanks to them the reception is now open for two hours each day for members of the public to drop in for information and advice.

Their work has been praised by district councillor Phil Dilks, who has put them forward for the Home Office’s Lord Ferrers Award, which recognises outstanding voluntary service in policing.

Coun Dilks (Lab) said: “They have done a great job supporting the community police. Lots of people say that 30 years ago we had a sergeant and five police officers in the Deepings, but times have changed. Police are under huge pressure financially and any support for them has to be a good thing.

“I really welcome the fact there are people in my community who are prepared to keep the station open.”

The volunteers are Aimee Shipp, Jack Young, Christine Halls, Andrew Bowell, Mick Noble, Tom Gregg and Tom Jordan. Most of them live in the town and commit to one shift each week.

They also hosted a fun day on Wednesday to entertain local children and remind the public of the police presence in the town.

Jack Young admits he was among those who used to complain about the police station never being open, so when he saw a call for volunteers to keep the service running, he was keen to help.

Jack said the service still attracts criticism from some members of the public who feel the station should be open longer and that their concerns are not always addressed, but he has urged people to keep reporting incidents or concerns to prove the needs for a police team in Deeping.

He said: “Everyone who visits the station goes into the book and the PCSOs check it each day to see what needs to be followed up.”

A typical shift in the office involves gathering lost property, giving directions, providing information or taking messages for the community support officers. There is also a telephone outside the building for people to contact other police departments.

Volunteer Christine Halls said: “Everyone likes to talk face to face. This has become a great community area with volunteers in the police station, library and community centre.”

The team support PCSO Michelle Laughton who has worked in the town and surrounding villages for eight years. She attended the fun day to take fingerprints, mark property, show off the police van and chat to children and their parents about life in the police force.

She said: “I love any opportunity to come to a community event. It’s important for people to see that we’re human and we’re approachable. I do this job because I want to help people.

“The volunteers are doing a great job and the community is so pleased the station is open.”

Coun Dilks’ recommendation for the award was supported by fellow councillors at a South Kesteven District Council meeting last week.

Coun Jacky Smith, the cabinet member for communities, backed the idea and attended the fun day to show her support.

Coun Smith (Con) said: “The volunteers are doing a fantastic job. It makes a big difference to people to have a face to talk to, especially older people who want that reassurance of talking to someone in person.”

The nomination will be considered by the Home Office and winners will be announced in the autumn.

The police station is open Monday to Friday from 10am until midday. The police can also be contacted on the non-emergency number

101.

n Photos from the fun day are available to buy at www.photos.iliffemedia.co.uk