WORCESTER'S MP said he had received 'no complaints' about plans to close a police station's front counter on Sundays.

We have previously reported how the front counter of Worcester Police Station in Castle Street will be closed on Sundays from next month with changes to opening hours on other days.

The decision sparked criticism from the joint leader of Worcester City Council, Cllr Lynn Denham, St John's councillor Richard Udall and a representative of the Police Federation. 

Worcester News: LISTENING: Robin Walker, MP for Worcester, said he had not heard any complaints from constituents but would be glad to hear people's views about the Sunday closure LISTENING: Robin Walker, MP for Worcester, said he had not heard any complaints from constituents but would be glad to hear people's views about the Sunday closure (Image: Newsquest)

Readers also expressed concern and anger, citing long waits on the police non-emergency number 101 and arguing that a reduction in service should also result in a corresponding reduction in council tax.

The police and crime commissioner, John Campion, was contacted on Wednesday for a response but by Friday still had not given any comment on the closure. 

However, Robin Walker, MP for Worcester, said he had not received a single complaint about the closure of the Worcester Police Station front counter on Sundays.

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"To be honest, I've not had a single constituent complain about it. It was not something I was happy to raise but, if people come to be about it, I would be happy to raise it," he said.

Mr Walker said it was important police stations were accessible and suggested that those who had concerns should also raise it was the police and crime commissioner, John Campion. 

Cllr Richard Udall, the Labour St John's city and county councillor and the county's lead member for crime and disorder, said: “This announcement is a sad reflection of the times, over the past 13 years we have seen cuts and more cuts to emergency services.

"It’s a well-known fact, criminals also work on Sundays.  Therefore the counters at police stations should also remain accessible on Sundays.  The public need the assurance that they can go to a police station to seek help, advice, report a crime or to give statements.

"The police are working under increasing pressure, they are required to deliver more with less.

"A lot of attacks, especially on women take place on Saturday night and are not reported until Sunday morning. They would need a private place to go in order to report such an attack."

The counter may be the first port of call for reporting a crime and is where sex offenders go to sign the register so the police can more effectively monitor their behaviour and protect the public.

The counter is now open seven days a week - 8am to 4.30pm on Monday to Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sunday (open 57 hours a week).

From December 1 the counter will be open 9am to 5pm Monday to Saturday and closed on Sunday (open 48 hours per week).

Rhys Jenkins-Hayhow wrote: "Less of a service should mean a reduction in council tax surely."

Luke Welch wrote: "Madness we live in a society where you can get fast food 24/7 but medical care or help from a police station - no can't have that."