Campaigners optimistic about police station move to crime-hit estate

CAMPAIGNERS ARE “optimistic” about getting a new base for Beverley’s police station after meeting Humberside police and crime commissioner Keith Hunter.

Beverley and Holderness Labour Party want the station to relocate from upmarket New Walk to the former St Nicholas School site on Swinemoor estate, where there have been growing complaints about anti-social behaviour.

Branch secretary George McManus said the idea was already getting a “fantastic level of support” and was in line with the Labour PCC’s crime-fighting strategy of having high-visibility policing in the heart of the community.

Mr McManus said people on the estate were complaining about bikes being stolen, houses being broken into and feeling unsafe going out.

He said: “People’s lives are being blighted by anti-social behaviour. A visible police presence at the centre of the town could be key in fighting this.”

Mr Hunter said all options remained open – including staying at New Walk or sharing with community safety partners.

He said he had asked the estates department to see if the school could make a base for the police, adding: “We are quite open to having a different footprint in Beverley, which is more suited to modern policing.”

East Riding of Yorkshire Council says the school site is surplus to requirements and will be advertised on the open market for sale.

A statement added: “Any proposals for the use of the property for community purposes will need to be submitted as part of the sale process for consideration alongside any other bids received.”