NEWS that Christchurch police station will shut up shop in March has been met with dismay.

Cllr David Jones said he is “appalled” by the decision and added: “It is wrong. At the very least they should be keeping it open until there is a guaranteed and secured alternative place for a police presence.”

Cllr Jones, who also spoke out against the closure of Highcliffe police station, said: “I understand that economies have to be made but now the nearest available place to meet the police face to face is going to be the tardis in Boscombe.

“That’s a long way to go if you have to produce driving documents or something similar.

“People from Christchurch or Highcliffe can’t go to New Milton, although it is nearer, because it is in a different county.”

Christchurch councillor Bernie Davis insisted that the town would always have a police presence.

Less than a week after the council said fear of crime had risen among residents in the past year, the front counter of the borough’s only police station will close.

Cllr Davis said he didn’t believe the counter’s closure would inc-rease fear of crime any further.

“Safer Neighbourhood Teams will remain in Christchurch. There will always be their presence in the town, even if the police station goes,” he said.

He added: “There is some talk it could go to the Civic Offices or the Fire Station.

“But this will only happen when there is a decision on the Bargates development.”

How have you been affected?

Police stations already closed to the public:

  • Lyme Regis (2011)
  • Boscombe (2012)
  • Portland (2012)
  • Wimborne (2014)
  • Verwood (2014)

Police stations to close to the public on March 1:

  • Christchurch
  • Winton
  • Ferndown
  • Wareham
  • Shaftesbury
  • Dorchester

Counter services to remain open to the public:

  • Blandford
  • Bournemouth
  • Central Bridport
  • Gillingham
  • Poole
  • Sherborne
  • Swanage
  • Weymouth

More cuts to force ‘likely’

ONE of Dorset’s most senior police officers has refused to rule out more cuts.

Assistant Chief Constable David Lewis told the Daily Echo: “The likelihood is that there will be more tough decisions.

“We have £10million to save already and we are going to need to look carefully at everything when we get the next comprehensive spending review.

“There will be a really thorough review of what we have to do in the future.”

He added that he hopes alternative provision will be available in the affected areas by the summer and said the public will continue to be consulted on any changes in the future.