Police stations could close as force looks to make further savings

Police stations in Ramsey and Sawtry could be sold off as part of a drive to reduce costs by Cambridgeshire Constabulary.

The force is carrying out a review of its estate across the county, which is made up of some 41 buildings and costs more than £4million per year to run.

Overall, the force needs to find £19million in savings by 2020, having already made £13million since 2013.

At a meeting between Cambridgeshire’s police and crime commissioner, Sir Graham Bright, and the constabulary held last week, it announced that a possible change of use for the station in Ramsey was being explored, with a view to selling the building, in Blenheim Road, by 2016.

Discussions about relocating staff at Sawtry police station, in Fen Lane, are also ongoing, with a potential sale also slated for 2016.

Selling off the two stations, along with a number of other relocations and disposals, including the station in Yaxley, could save the force £700,000.

A report presented to the police and crime commissioner noted: “The implementation of mobile technology has reduced the need to return to a fixed base. “This allows officers to spend longer in their communities and to support the public contact points and has rendered a number of operational buildings surplus to requirements.

“The use of agile working facilities across the retained estate will reduce unnecessary

journeys, increase available working time and reduce the demand for office space.”

Before either Ramsey or Sawtry stations can be sold, however, a sale will need to be approved by the county’s police and crime board.