PEOPLE power, it seems, does still have an effect.
At least it appears to have in Brighouse where the community has been told that its local police station will be staying open.
Police chiefs are to be congratulated too on their efforts to keep open the station in Bradford Road.
Last year, residents told police that re-opening the public counter at their local station was a priority.
Police responded by doing just that for a trial period of six months.
That trial was first extended and has now become a permanent arrangement with the counter opening for three hours each weekday afternoon.
Police have secured funding to keep the counter open long-term but say that with the help of volunteers, they may be able to extend the hours that the service is available.
What is on offer is what many in all our communities have long said they would like – an opportunity to meet an officer face to face and discuss problems or issues of concern in their neighbourhood.
Yes there are opportunities to speak to police on such issues with community-based officers holding “surgeries” in local venues such as libraries.
But to have a station which is open regularly offering a visible presence and the reassurance that goes with that, is a commitment many would welcome in their areas.
It is great news for Brighouse and a development that will have communities in other areas thinking about the police presence in their neighbourhood.
