A “back door” consultation is now taking place that could see front desk services removed from 12 of the 17 Police stations in Cumbria that have them. Potentially leaving only Barrow, Kendal, Whitehaven, Workington and Carlisle.
Residents have until the 31st May to respond but the questionnaire has yet to appear on the Cumbria Constabulary website.
The move has been met by resistance in Windermere and Ambleside.
Windermere and Ambleside activist and Councillor, Ben Berry had this to say:
“To give the community such a short time to get galvanised and respond effectively to this consultation is terrible. We understand that the Police Authority has savings to be made, but they have already closed counter service in Ambleside with the promise that residents could go to Windermere! Now communities across the Lakes, such as Rydal, Grasmere, Ambleside and Windermere may have to go to Kendal.”
Ben is now working with local Campaigner Sarah Ibbetson and Councillor David Williams to push the Police to have at least a decent part time service at the Windermere Station.
Sarah Ibbotson added “It's reasonable for the Constabulary to look at saving costs here. What rural communities like Windermere need is a well advertised part time service, staffed by volunteers if needs be, and we would be catered for.”