PEOPLE power has won – Brighouse Police Station will stay open to the public.
Police chiefs managed to secure funding to keep the Bradford Road station (pictured) open to the public after a successful trial.
Chief Superintendent Alan Ford, Divisional Commander for Calderdale, managed to secure funding from the Police Authority for the pilot.
And now that pilot has been made permanent.
“This is great news for the people of Brighouse,” said Chf Supt Ford.
“Time and time again people have told us that this is what they wanted and hopefully this will help to increase confidence in the Lower Valley.”
The public counter at the station was re-opened for a trial six month period in 2009 after residents told officers that it was a top priority.
It was due to run until January but police chiefs managed to extend it until the end of the financial year.
They have now secured funding to keep the station open to the public long-term.
This year it has also become home to a dog section of West Yorkshire Police.
The front counter will remain open from 1pm until 4pm Monday to Friday but police are still hoping to extend the hours with the help of local volunteers.
Inspector Mohammed Nawaz, who heads the Lower Valley Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “This is a local resource for local people so I am appealing directly to people to come along and help out where they can.
“A considerable amount of resources are going in to keep it open.
“I want residents to make this police station a focal point in their community.
“It is not only there for reporting matters but I would encourage our residents to call in to discuss any matters that concern them in their neighbourhoods with their local officers.
“My message to our communities is quite simple – if anything is having an impact on your quality of life then please come and discuss it with us.”
