Empty police stations should reopen, say councillors

Empty police stations are "not a good look" and the buildings should be reopened, councillors have said.

Members of the South Yorkshire Police and Crime Panel have called for former police stations to be opened back up for visible policing and accessibility.

Councillors highlighted stations on Sheffield's Parkway and in Rossington in Doncaster which have been standing empty for some time.

South Yorkshire's deputy mayor said there was an ongoing review of the police's property estate but that "the absence of a public front desk does not mean reduced policing".

Sheffield councillor Ian Horner said the large white building next to the Nunnery Square park and ride still had South Yorkshire Police branding on the exterior, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

He told the meeting: "It continues to be the case that there's an empty South Yorkshire Police station on the Parkway into Sheffield. I keep making this point, it's not a good look. It is a waste of public money."

He said the park and ride facility was regularly "overflowing" due to nearby Volker Rail occupying part of the car park.

"Volker Rail could be in the disused police compound, paying rent for that and the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority could be getting more money from people visiting the park and ride. We need to continue to deal with the police estate properly."

Doncaster councillor Lee Sammutt also raised questions about Rossington police station. He had collected thousands of signatures for a petition calling on the station to be mad "active" again.

Local councillors said residents wanted to see visible policing and that it would bring confidence back to communities.

Kilvinder Vigurs, the deputy mayor of South Yorkshire for policing and crime, said decisions on individual buildings would be made in due course to ensure the estate was used as "effectively as possible within a limited budget".

She said: "Rossington remains well-served by neighbourhood officers who patrol, engage with residents and work with partners to address local concerns. South Yorkshire Police is committed to maintaining a visible and proactive presence in the area.

"Policing has evolved since Rossington station closed and there are no plans to reopen a public front desk. Modern policing prioritises mobility, visibility and faster digital contact.

"It is important that the public have access to officers. This is something residents consistently tell us they value, particularly access to their neighbourhood teams, and we are working with South Yorkshire Police to improve their visibility."

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