Police plans to re-open town station front desk
Was closed in 2014 after new building erected
PLANS have been submitted for Loughborough’s police station front desk to be re-opened to the public once again.
The station’s desk was closed and the front counter service moved to the offices of Charnwood Borough Council back in May 2014.
The move followed the demolition of the town’s old Southfield Road station and new police headquarters built in its place.
The proposal for the new front desk has been put forward as part of a planning application to Charnwood Borough Council.
The application is asking for the “Creation of front desk and public entrance to existing police station, together with alterations to car park layout and the installation of 2.4 metre high paladin fencing.”
When asked by the Echo the reasons for reverting to the station-based front desk a police spokesperson said: “Since its closure in 2014, Loughborough’s front enquiry desk has been located within Charnwood Borough Council’s offices in Southfield Road.
“While we continue to maintain a good working relationship with our partners it has been decided to move the front enquiry desk back to the police station.
“This will improve functionality under our current operating model and allow for the desk to be open for extended hours which, in our present location, has not been possible.”
Reacting to the news of the application, Charnwood Borough councillor, Coun Paul Mercer, who alongside Coun Ted Parton represents Southfields Ward which covers the police station said: “I have lost count of the number of times that members of the public have asked why it was not possible to go directly to the police station to report crime.
“Ever since the new police station was opened we have been asking why it did not have a front desk.
“Instead, the police have relied upon having a desk in Southfields offices which is only been accessible for a limited period and just on weekdays.
“This is therefore a welcome development and it is one which I am sure will have the support of councillors as well as local residents.
“Residents have also remarked that the police have recently become far more accessible and, through social media and newsletters, kept everyone informed about what they are doing.
“This development will assist this process and contribute to the continued reduction of crime in Loughborough.”