The Police have informed us that they are under-taking a trial which will end on the 31st March in which they have been experimenting in a 65% reduction in opening hours.

We wish to place on record our firm belief that any permanent reduction in opening hours of the Burgess Hill Police Station would be very badly received by local people who are right to be worried that this will be the beginning of a closure by stealth programme.

Burgess Hill is a very rapidly growing town which needs its own fully functioning Police Station.

Both of us firmly believe that we must ensure that the Police do not reduce their service in Burgess Hill and that so called efficiency cuts do not become a diminished service to the public.

We are determined to seek detailed clarification from the Police on the results of this trial and to persuade them of the public’s need for reassurance in Burgess Hill by having a proper service provided at their Police Station.

There are not enough Police in Mid Sussex.

-ends-

Notes

• Photo: - Nicholas Soames and Councillor Pru Moore discussing the future of the Burgess Hill Police Station

• This matter was discussed at a Burgess Hill Town Council meeting on the 29th March and a number of serious worries were expressed which are to be represented to the Chief Constable