RESIDENTS in Williton will no longer be able to pop into their local police station with questions as the station's enquiry office will close in March due to a lack of visitors. 

Avon and Somerset Police announced today (February 9) that the station will close on March 10 after a review into demand at the station has shown that an average of 30 visitors a month are using the service. 

A spokesman for the police said local neighbourhood and response teams will remain in the comminity and will continue to operate from the exisiting police station in Priest Street. 

Superintendent Mike Prior said: “We are committed to local policing and see real value in keeping local officers and PCSOs located close to their communities. We want them to be visible and accessible to local people.

“However, we do have to accept that with the financial constraints we face, it is not cost effective to continue to provide an enquiry office service from Williton based on the low usage.

“If someone wants to contact us, Minehead enquiry office continues to be open to the public and is the closest option. Alternatively the public can contact us online or by calling 101 for non-emergencies."

Police are currently in final discussions with West Somerset Council with a view to co-locating policing teams alongside them in West Somerset House in the future.

Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens said: “I want local residents to be reassured that the changes to Williton police station will not affect the level of policing service you have a right to expect. As your PCC, it is my role to ensure the policing service you pay for is value for money. “Local people tell me how important their neighbourhood policing teams are and I know you would want your money invested in the people who are there to keep you safe, instead of paying for an enquiry office that on some days isn’t even used. Local people, should they need, can also always visit the enquiry office in Minehead.”

From March 11 the closest police enquiry offices will be:

  •  Minehead (8 miles away) – open Monday to Friday 1000-1800
  •  Taunton (16 miles) - open Monday to Sunday 0800-2000 
  • Bridgwater (19 miles) –open Monday to Sunday 0800-2000