Nearly 500 join MP's bid to keep police station front desk open

South Yorkshire Police plans to close the counter on April 1, meaning that people will instead have to use enquiry desks in nearby Rawmarsh or Wombwell.

The force says that the number of people visiting Wath enquiry desk to report an incident, speak with an officer or find out information is low, when compared to the activity happening at the other three desks in Rotherham.

Mr Healey, however, says that almost 500 people have signed a petition against the closure and there "is a great deal of concern" among his constituents.

He said: "I as local MP, local councillors, residents' groups and Police Authority members were all in the dark about this until the decision was taken.

"I have asked that the decision is put on hold until police have gathered more information about how well-used and valued the public inquiry desk service is in Wath – to the public as well as the police's neighbourhood teams.

"My experience and knowledge of local sentiment about the police station suggests the loss of this established point of public contact in Wath risks damaging confidence in local policing operations."

South Yorkshire Police says the majority of people using Wath enquiry desk are attending at the request of officers, either producing documents or answering bail.

In certain circumstances, people will still be able to do this in Wath station, or else will be asked to attend one of the other enquiry desks in Rotherham.

Temporary Chief Superintendent Richard Tweed said: "Although Wath enquiry desk will be closing... the police station will remain fully operational and there are no plans to reduce or cut the service it provides to the local community.

"Frontline police officers and Wentworth North Safer Neighbourhood Team will remain at the station with a strong visible presence in the community.

"They will continue engaging with residents and business owners, addressing their needs and concerns and tackling the key priorities in the neighbourhoods they serve."