Waterfoot cop shop to get its front counter back

Waterfoot Police Station in Rossendale will reopen to the public this summer.

The announcement by Lancashire police and crime commission Andrew Snowden follows the return of public access at Ribble Valley's Clitheroe cop shop in September.

Once open, the Waterfoot front counter will operate 9am to 1pm from Monday to Friday, with opening hours kept under review based on public demand.

Mr Snowden said: "As a Rossendale resident myself I am regularly asked about whether a front counter will be reopening in the borough and following agreement with the Divisional Commander, I'm delighted that we are now in a position to officially confirm that Waterfoot front counter will be reopening to the public.

"I believe that policing in Lancashire needs to be part of the community, with a visible presence and open and engaging with local residents. This is another positive step, alongside investment into the control room to improve 999 and 101 handling, expanding neighbourhood policing teams and the rural taskforces.

"By fully delivering on the pledge I made after I was elected - to ensure there is in-person access to officers in each borough - I am delivering on the priorities of the people of Lancashire when it comes to policing in the county. ”

Waterfoot front counter closed in 2018, alongside several others across the county as part of a series of cost saving measures.

The police station has remained operational and a date for reopening the front counter service will be announced as soon as the arrangements are finalised.

Chief Inspector Marie Jackson said: “We now have dedicated neighbourhood teams in Rossendale plus we’ve also invested significantly in our force control room, often the first point of contact for many members of the public.

“However, soon we’ll also be able to offer people the option to attend the police station in Rossendale to discuss policing issues in person too.”

Front counters have already reopened in the Fylde and South Ribble boroughs.