Police stations likely to go

Warwickshire Police yesterday announced details of how it plans to make £13.4 million of savings during the next year - and stations across the county look set to scale down operations or, in some cases, close altogether.

While further details were being disclosed as the Courier went to print, it was made clear that the Justice Centre in Leamington will remain a police base for patrol, investigation and safer neighbourhoods teams, with front office closing at midnight.

The force’s headquarters, which is currently at a former country house in Leek Wootton that costs more than £4 million a year to run, will move to the Leamington centre, although its communications team will continue to work there.

The constabulary is also exploring options for finding alternative bases for the safer neighbourhoods teams - the only remaining services - at Warwick and Wellesbourne, the front desks of which have already closed, and at Kenilworth, where front desk services will move to the library from next month. Meanwhile another location for Southam’s front office police desk is being sought, but the town’s safer neighbourhoods team will continue to operate from the station.

Chief Constable Keith Bristow said: “We need the right buildings which are fit for purpose and in the right places.

“That means our buildings and workforce being visible and located as close to communities as possible. Fewer buildings equals more protection and the innovative new ways of working will mean less need for expensive buildings which are not fit for purpose.”

A more detailed report will be printed in next week’s Courier.