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West Leeds: Horsforth police station closure threat
UNDER THREAT: Horsforth Police Station which could close due to cutbacks.
A police station in a leafy west Leeds suburb could be forced to close its doors.
Horsforth Police Station, which provides a base for West Yorkshire Police’s Rapid Response unit, has been earmarked for closure as the force continues to save money.
The YEP understands that staff and resources at the site off Broadway could be transferred to the nearby Weetwood Police Station.
The counter at Horsforth complex has been closed to members of the public since 1988.
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Local councillor Chris Townsley (Horsforth, Lib Dem) said that he hoped measures would be put in place so the town wouldn’t be affected by the station’s closure.
He said: “If it is possible we would like to see the community policing team housed somewhere on Town Street to help with visibility.
“We want police to protect people and have a high visibility.
“We see them regularly but it is taking away this.
“People feel much more safe if they see bobbies about.
“We would also like to see a camera on Horsforth roundabout.
“In actual fact we will be better off and more protected.
“There is no way that we can get involved in operational issues of the police.”
Otley Police Station became the headquarters for Neighbourhood Policing across North West Leeds four years ago.
A spokeswoman from West Yorkshire Police added: “Like all police divisions operating in the current climate, North West Leeds Division is currently reviewing and considering how to make best use of its estate, to see if savings could be made.
“This does include a review of our use of Horsforth Police Station, which is not a publicly accessible police station and hasn’t been since 1988.
“We have discussed improving the visibility of Neighbourhood Policing within Horsforth with the town councillors, the MP and the city councillors and we would like to reassure the public that any decision about the closure of police buildings will not affect the policing or response capacity.”
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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