POLITICIANS have raised concerns over policing in Ramsbottom as the future of the town’s police station is set to be decided today.

At a meeting this afternoon, Greater Manchester police and crime commissioner Tony Lloyd is set to announce whether he intends to sell the building in Bridge Street.

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If the building, which has been closed to the public since 2012, is to be sold, Mr Lloyd said he hopes officers would be able to use space in the nearby Ramsbottom Library, making them more accessible to residents.

But Ramsbottom MP David Nuttall and Ramsbottom ward councillors Ian Bevan and Rob Hodkinson have raised concerns about the plans to sell the building, fearing a rise in crime if there is no police presence in the town.

Cllr Bevan said: “We have expressed concern over plans to sell off Ramsbottom’s police station “The number of police officers patrolling Ramsbottom has reduced in recent years. While we are a low-crime town, there are still issues, particularly at night and weekends, and I can envisage that police officers would rarely be available if a resident turns up at Ramsbottom Library.”

Mr Nuttall said: “I accept the police and crime commissioner has to make the best use of premises and property to meet the needs of Greater Manchester Police and local people. One suggestion has been that the officers could use space in Ramsbottom Library.

“As it will not be manned when the officers are out on patrol there should be some way of a person being able to leave their details or use a police telephone to speak to officers.”

Cllr Hodkinson said: “As councillors, we have a good relationship with police but I think a move to Ramsbottom Fire Station would be far better Mr Lloyd said the police station is only being used for officers to take refreshment and moving them to the library would make them more accessible to the public.

In an email to councillors and Mr Nuttall, Mr Lloyd said: “GMP has transformed the way it polices local communities, embedding neighbourhood policing at the heart of its service and working more closely with partners and local people.

“Where a police station is proposed for closure, alternative provision will be identified within the community. Negotiations are under way for local officers to use nearby Ramsbottom Library.”