Lincolnshire's PCC Marc Jones criticises closure of police buildings

Marc Jones said he will ask the new chief constable to review the decision

A decision to "mothball" police buildings across Lincolnshire has been heavily criticised by the county's Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC).

A spokesperson for Lincolnshire Police said the 17 unused premises have been identified as savings.

PCC Marc Jones said it was "unacceptable" to close them without public consultation.

The spokesperson said the force will engage with its "stakeholders" before a final decision is made.

The force also said the closures could save £227,250 a year.

Small stations to shut include Saxilby, Lincoln South, Market Deeping and Spilsby. Most are unstaffed.

Mr Jones said the decision should not have been made without community and equality impact assessments.

He said the public values a "visible presence" of policing even if a building is rarely used.

A decision to sell buildings can only be taken by the PCC but mothballing stations does not need to be signed off.

"To have closed them, even if it proves to be on a temporary basis, without proper consultation and understanding of the impact upon our communities is unacceptable," Mr Jones said.

He added that "maintaining the [public's] trust is critical" and making decisions without consulting them is "foolhardy".

'Future use to be decided'

Chief Superintendent Kate Anderson, head of local policing and partnerships at Lincolnshire Police, said the unused buildings were identified as areas of "immediate financial savings".

"Revenue savings of £227,250 per year could be made by not spending [on] these spaces, which research showed were barely being used," she said.

Ms Anderson also said the buildings have not been sold or fully closed and a final decision is yet to be made about their future use.

Mr Jones said he will ask the new chief constable to review the decision when he takes over from Chris Haward.