Commissioner tells council Dursley Police Station is safe (From Gazette Series)

Dursley Police Station is safe says Gloucestershire PCC Martin Surl at Stroud District Council meeting

3:30pm Monday 18th March 2013 in News By Daniel Chipperfield

DURSLEY Police Station will remain open according to Gloucestershire's Police and Crime Commissioner.

There were fears the station in Sandpits, which now acts as the base for the south of the district, would soon close completely after the reception was shut to the public.

However when asked by Cllr Paul Denny (Lab, Cam West) on Thursday, March 14 if the building was safe, PCC Martin Surl was assured in his answer.

"There are no plans to close it," he said.

"It is recognised that we need a police presence in that area."

But the former superintendent said they would be delighted if another more suitable site became available nearby.

"It is a bit big, and a bit out of date, but it is certainly needed and it won't be closing," he said.

The commissioner met with councillors on the strategic overview and scrutiny committee at Ebley Mill to discuss his recent appointment to replace the Police Authority and how it affects the district.

Cllr Gordon Craig (Con, Berkeley) took the opportunity to mention concerns raised to him about police numbers and anti-social behaviour in Berkeley on Friday and Saturday night.

"I have had people in tears because of the damage to their cars and houses," he said.

"There appears to be a shortage of police at that time but the area seems to be over-policed during the day."

Mr Surl agreed it was a very demanding time for police and it probably needed looking at.

The commissioner saw his four-year police and crime plan for the policing of the county accepted by the Police and Crime Panel on March 12.

The plan sets areas of focus for the constabulary and one particular aim for Mr Surl is a more co-ordinated approach from Gloucestershire's criminal justice agencies.

To tackle crime more effectively, the commissioner hopes to bring the Police, Crown Prosecution Service, Courts, Probation Service and HM Prison Service closer together.

He has also called for more inclusion of community and voluntary sectors and to give them a more key role.

"Everyone should have a stake in a safer Gloucestershire, which is why I believe in an inclusive approach to making our communities the best they can be", said Mr Surl.

"I want older people - whether they live in their own homes or in residential care - to feel safe and I want a system that works for young people not against them."

The Police and Crime Plan will be formally adopted on April 1.