YEOVIL NEWS: MP reassured on no reduction on police numbers in Yeovil

YEOVIL MP Marcus Fysh has been quick to comment on an announcement that police officers in the town are to move into Yeovil Fire Station.

It was announced on Wednesday (November 23, 2016) that the plan is to move Yeovil’s policing under the same roof as the town’s firefighters.

The announcement comes following a decision by Avon and Somerset Constabulary to close the police cells in Yeovil, after the facility was deemed no longer suitable.

An independent report by the Home Office stated that the cells were no longer compliant with the latest Home Office standards. The cost of replacing the old cells with a new custody building was estimated at £8.5million.

But with Yeovil in need of a police presence a suitable alternative was needed and it looks as if Yeovil Fire Station will provide that accommodation.

Yeovil MP Marcus Fysh said: “I am somewhat reassured by the news that there will be no reduction in police numbers and will continue to work with local police on their strategy.

“I remain concerned about how detention will operate in practice but it is sensible not to have police officers taken off the streets doing the transportation.”

Mr Fysh added: “We have just had good news on reduction in crime figures in Yeovil and progress against drugs gangs and it’s important that good work is built on.

“I still think there could be the possibility of a modern custody unit for Yeovil looking at cooperation with Wiltshire Police and traffic patrols and I’ll carry on looking at ideas for that.

“The current police station is an important site in the centre of town and I’m interested to hear people’s thoughts on how it should be used.”

Built in 1962, Yeovil Fire Station will become Avon and Somerset’s first joint Fire and Police Centre, ensuring that Yeovil retains a policing footprint and offering to build on opportunities for the two emergency services to work more closely together.

Detailed discussions will now take place between Fire and the Police to establish the logistics of the move.  Avon and Somerset Police will imminently be offering the current Yeovil Police Station to market, ensuring the police estates is sold for its maximum value, making the required savings for investment into frontline policing.

PHOTO – TOP: Yeovil MP Marcus Fysh.

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