MP backs petition calling for Sheffield police station to be re-staffed following armed robbery doors away

Deepcar police station on Manchester Road is still used by police community support officers (PCSOs) but there is no longer a public enquiry desk and no warranted officers are based there.

Concerned residents say crime in the area has risen since the front desk closed, including an armed robbery and another break-in at a petrol station just yards away this spring.

She said: "While PCSOs do a fantastic job and their work is much appreciated by the local community, they are not warranted officers. At the moment because of the terrible cuts faced by the police there are now no such officers based anywhere in the north of Sheffield or west of Barnsley.

"I don’t believe this is right and the complete downgrading of Deepcar police station is symptomatic of the funding problems we are seeing. It is not acceptable that officers have to come all the way from the city if there is a problem and I have made my views on this clear to the police.

The petition's founder says the nearest staffed police stations to Deepcar are now in Ecclesfield and Attercliffe, at least 20 minutes away, which she has described as 'unacceptable'.

The petition, which remains open, has been sent to South Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner Dr Alan Billings.

"South Yorkshire Police has recently re-established neighbourhood policing teams who are based out and about in communities at all times.

"The North West Sheffield team is served by a team of police officers and PCSOs who cover Deepcar and the surrounding area and hold regular engagement events and opportunities to speak with officers in the area. Whilst there is no public enquiry desk at Deepcar, there are two PCSOs who do work out of the building and are present in the community.

"I will continue to hear and raise any concerns, including the petition, and will address them with the force’s senior leadership group. However, it is unlikely that in the current financial climate and with the demands facing police resources that the station will re-open as a public enquiry desk in the future."

* You can view the petition at www.change.org/p/dr-billing-police-and-crime-commissionar-for-south-yorkshire-deepcar-police-station-staffed-by-police-officers-again.