09 January 2011
Public Meeting
14/01/11 20:55 Filed in: Bottesford
Following the announcement that Bottesford Police Station is earmarked for closure, Bottesford Parish Council has arranged a PUBLIC MEETING to be held in Bottesford Village Hall, Belvoir Road.at 7 pm on Monday 17 January. The meeting is to discuss CHANGES IN POLICING IN THE VALE and THE FUTURE OF BOTTESFORD POLICE STATION. The Chief Constable, Simon Cole, will attend along with other senior Officers.
Behind the scenes efforts by the Vale NHW network, and letters of support for our beat team from the Vale communities to the Chief Constable, have had an impact on police plans. On 22 December, one of the Assistant Chief Constables (Chris Garnham) and a small team from the Constabulary, met with three representatives of the Vale NHW Network to discuss the letter we had sent to the Chief Constable on 22 November.
From the statements made at the 22 December meeting, and from my own separate discussions with Melton & Bottesford based officers, I am assured that the style and quality of policing in the Vale will not be changed to our detriment. by a change to a new LOCAL Police Office. Indeed there may well be improvements for some areas and categories of crime. Crucially, the police have agreed that officers should start and finish their shifts at the new office (rather than Melton) and that all the necessary facilities will be provided there. The Police have been very keen to hear our views and equally willing to make necessary adjustments.
In conclusion, in our view the future of the Police Station building in Queen Street, Bottesford, should be considered as a separate issue from the future of policing in the Parish and the Vale. The retention of that building would have marginal or little impact on the quality of policing we will receive.
However, don't just take our word for it. Come along to the meeting on Monday, listen to the Chief Constable, question him as necessary and make up your own minds.
Brian Kelk
Principal Coordinator
Bottesford Parish Neighbourhood Watch
Tel: 01949 842241 Mob: 07717496093
Behind the scenes efforts by the Vale NHW network, and letters of support for our beat team from the Vale communities to the Chief Constable, have had an impact on police plans. On 22 December, one of the Assistant Chief Constables (Chris Garnham) and a small team from the Constabulary, met with three representatives of the Vale NHW Network to discuss the letter we had sent to the Chief Constable on 22 November.
From the statements made at the 22 December meeting, and from my own separate discussions with Melton & Bottesford based officers, I am assured that the style and quality of policing in the Vale will not be changed to our detriment. by a change to a new LOCAL Police Office. Indeed there may well be improvements for some areas and categories of crime. Crucially, the police have agreed that officers should start and finish their shifts at the new office (rather than Melton) and that all the necessary facilities will be provided there. The Police have been very keen to hear our views and equally willing to make necessary adjustments.
In conclusion, in our view the future of the Police Station building in Queen Street, Bottesford, should be considered as a separate issue from the future of policing in the Parish and the Vale. The retention of that building would have marginal or little impact on the quality of policing we will receive.
However, don't just take our word for it. Come along to the meeting on Monday, listen to the Chief Constable, question him as necessary and make up your own minds.
Brian Kelk
Principal Coordinator
Bottesford Parish Neighbourhood Watch
Tel: 01949 842241 Mob: 07717496093