Evidence called for over Newark Police Station relocation at meeting of Newark Town Council
Evidence is needed to show the possible relocation of Newark Police Station would not adversely affect the town’s policing.
This was the view of councillors at a meeting of Newark Town Council.
Jay Henderson, leader of the Greens, said members needed a taste of how policing would improve in the area following what he called wide concern of the recent announcement.
The Advertiser revealed in August that Newark’s police station could close and relocate to Newark and Sherwood District Council’s headquarters at Castle House.
At the time, Nottinghamshire Chief Constable Craig Guildford stressed the move — part of the £25m Towns Fund bid — would mean more officers on the beat.
He said the existing police station was built for a purpose that no longer existed.
The proposal, contained in the bid to government, would see police relocate to a purpose-built extension to Castle House, creating a multi-service hub.
Newark Town Council member Gill Dawn said: “Had the force not been under-funded for many years, the police may well have coped with their new building better.
“But if you don’t have the money, you can’t use it as well. If they try to remain at the police station I’m afraid we will lose them altogether and, of course, we have the Conservatives to thank for that.”
The leader of the Conservatives group, David Lloyd, said he was happy to support a report that sought assurances from the police, including their promise of more officers on the beat.
“I struggle to object to the closure of the police station,” he said.
“If it’s to stop spending money on the building, it’s improper to object to the current closure of the station.”
Mr Lloyd suggested members amend the recommendation from object to the proposed closure of the current police station’ to noting it instead.
Dennis Jones, Labour leader, said: “I’m quite happy to support the amendment. It is clear we need to ensure we are properly policed in Newark.
“If we as a town council wasted money like that, people would have been asking us questions.
“I’m prepared to look at and talk to the police about increasing the manpower in Newark.”
Member Jane Olson raised concern over the current state-of-the-art facilities that would be lost due to a relocation.
“It cost £7m to build that police station and it concerns me those facilities will be lost forever and the £7m will be down the drain.
“It would be a huge waste to build another huge annex for the police.”