Dinnington police station set to close

That was the verdict of district commander Chief Supt Jason Harwin at a public meeting in Woodsetts.

Chief Supt Harwin, when asked about the police station’s future, said: “Ideally we don't want to close any stations.

“However, financially it doesn't make sense for Dinnington to remain open.

“We recognise the importance of a visible location in Dinnington and as such we are looking to locate an office in the Resource Centre.

“This will be badged and used not only by the PCSOs when on patrol but also police officers from the Local Policing Teams.”

The Rother Valley South Area Assembly meeting was also attended by police and crime commissioner Dr Alan Billings, who said he remained “fully committed” to neighbourhood policing despite having fewer officers because of funding cuts.

He said police having hand-held technology and not having to travel to police stations was helpful, while retaining the same number of Police Community Support Officers — 225 — as “the eyes and ears of South Yorkshire Police” would ensure a continued police prescence.

A spokeswoman for the commissioner’s office said no date been set for the police station’s closure, which was currenlty out to consultation.

She said it would not close until another service — such as the resource centre proposal — was up and running.