Crime tsar quizzed over force costcutting

Mr Grove will be questioned alongside chief constable Justine Curran at a meeting of the Humberside Police and Crime Panel, next Friday.

Panel chairman, North Lincolnshire Tory councillor Jonathan Evison said: “It’s fair to say that there is major concern over the plans for the police restructure, not just over the structure itself but also over the timescales and seemingly lack of consultation with the four local authorities.”

Earlier this year East Riding councillors warned that changes which could see 1,300 fewer employed, including 700 police, and see two-thirds of stations close, was “unprecedented” and “taking place at an undue pace”.

Citing Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary, they said the force plans to close 21 of its 36 stations over the next seven months. Mr Grove said: “The chief constable and I have repeatedly stated our commitment that no community will lose access to its local policing team. I am actively pursuing opportunities with local authorities, town and parish councils to share buildings wherever possible to reduce cost to the taxpayer whilst maintaining police access points.”