BRACKNELL is set to permanently lose its police station front counter in a move which has been branded as “disgusting” by one resident.

The contact point, on Broadway in the town centre near Easthampstead House, has been closed since March 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

But Thames Valley Police has now confirmed it will look to shut down the front counter permanently.

This comes as one of three planned closures across the Thames Valley area, with bases in Amersham, Bicester and Witney also shutting for good.

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The changes are subject to a public consultation.

Should the proposed closures go ahead, the bases will permanently shut on 30 August 2021.

Previously, the Bracknell station front counter operated five days a week from 10 am to 6pm.

The nearest police station with a front counter to Bracknell, should the Broadway counter close, would be Maidenhead Police Station.

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Maidenhead Police Station is 22 minutes away from Bracknell by car, around 45 minutes away on public transport, and three hours away on foot.

The news sparked upset from some Bracknell residents.

Shawn Hearn tweeted: “So those in Bracknell (and many other places) will have little to no front desk coverage for miles?

“Not sure how that helps improve community engagement.”

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He told the News: “We need more community support and engagement. Having no local desks will not help this.”

Reacting on Facebook, another resident said: “This is a shocking and a disgusting decision.

“What happens to those who can’t travel to the front counters that are miles away[.] How are they going to be handled?”

Another described it as a “blow” for the town, but said it was “no surprise” as “the building is so old and not fit for purpose anymore.”

In a statement on their announcement about the police station changes, Thames Valley Police said: “Thames Valley Police is adapting to the different ways people now wish to make contact with us to ensure we continue to meet the changing needs of the diverse communities we serve.

“These changes do not affect police officer numbers nor the number of operational police bases so you will not experience any difference in the ongoing commitment we have to visible policing in our Thames Valley communities.

“There will continue to be good geographic coverage of front counters across the Thames Valley if you need to access one.”

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