800 Responses To Parkside Police Station Consultation

Cambridgeshire Constabulary held the month-long consultation in February to get views of residents on plans to create the new police hub on the outskirts of Cambridge while maintaining a city centre presence with a new police station.

People were invited to fill out an online survey, attend one of four public drop in sessions in Cambridge (two), Ely and Huntingdon and learn about the proposals through social media and a dedicated website.

More than 3,000 flyers were also distributed in town and city centres and more than 18,000 people were contacted about the proposals by email.

Area commander for the south of Cambridgeshire, Superintendent James Sutherland said: “The consultation has demonstrated support for the principle of proposals to enhance the Constabulary’s service by replacing the outdated facilities at Parkside with a new hub.

“More than 70 per cent of respondents agree that a new police hub will help meet the accepted challenges of modern-day policing and population growth in Cambridgeshire.

“The majority of responses agree that the existing facilities cannot fully respond to these changing circumstances, and that a new police hub would allow us to respond more effectively.

“There is overwhelming support for the retention of a police station in Cambridge city centre including a public enquiry point and base for the neighbourhood policing team which we’re committed to providing.

“The Constabulary is now working on proposals for the preferred site for the hub, and is identifying suitable locations for the new city centre station.

A final phase of public consultation is due to begin in July which will include details on the preferred site in Milton ahead of a planning application in the Autumn.