COMMUNITY leaders say the axing of police houses in crime-torn areas of Burton and South Derbyshire would be ʻtragicʼ.
The moves are being considered as part of costcutting measures by Derbyshire and Staffordshire police forces.
A decision is expected next year on the future of the police houses, which are used for neighbourhood officers and Police Community Support Officers (PSCOs).
The houses are used as a base for PCSOs to carry out administrative work and community surgeries and as a drop-in point for residents to raise local policing concerns.
Two police houses, on the Goseley Estate, in Hartshorne, and at the Old Post Centre, in Newhall, are under threat of closing due to the cuts.
Alan Sandeman, local inspector for Swadlincote Police, said cost-saving cuts were being made across the force.
He said: “The police houses probably will be closing down, but a final decision has still not been made. If they do close it will be next summer, and our PCSOs will be provided with alternative accommodation.
“We’ll try to seek accommodation with other partnerships that will let us use their facility for free. It’s not ideal, but I’d rather retain my staff than small buildings.
“I don’t think closing the police houses will have a major impact on communities. With the current economic climate we have to review all kinds of business across the force.”
A Neighbourhood Watch resident from Brookdale Road, in Hartshorne, who asked not to be identified, told the Mail the police house is an excellent facility for the area.
She said: “We have a brilliant PCSO and base for the village – it would be a massive shame for the police house to be closed.
“It is very useful for local people and provides security. It will be a big loss for Hartshorne.”
South Derbyshire district councillor Pat Murray, who covers Hartshorne and Ticknall, said: “It is disappointing, but I’d rather see police on the streets than in offices. I don’t think the (closure of the) Newhall house will have much of an impact, but the Goseley may.”
Kevin Richards, the leader of the opposition Labour group on South Derbyshire District Council and representative for the Newhall and Stanton ward, said: “It’s always tragic when a police house closes. It’s not only a point for police but a drop-in centre for the public. It just seems to create another barrier between citizens and police.
“Some Newhall residents say there was hardly ever anyone in there, but it was still a hub if people needed to raise concerns or needed advice.” Another under threat is Stapenhill Police Station, in Hawthorn Crescent, which could also face closure after Staffordshire Police submitted plans to East Staffordshire Borough Council to build houses on the site.
Staffordshire Police was not able to comment as the Mail went to print.