PARWICH.ORG

Derbyshire Constabulary has announced changes to services at 17 police enquiry offices across the county that will take effect from Monday, June 18.

In January, the force proposed changes to the front counter service at stations across Derbyshire to best meet demand including closures at under-used locations and altered opening hours at others.

Following reductions in police budgets announced in October 2010 the force was left with a budget deficit of £13m by the end of 2012/13 and a predicted total of £24m by 2014/15.

The review found that several of the smaller offices received a limited number of visitors each week. The force decided to alter the opening hours of some enquiry offices, while nine of the 25 are being closed to the public.  The changes are expected to result in savings of nearly half a million pounds year on year.

Police officers will still be present at the stations, but residents wishing to contact the force while the enquiry office is closed are advised to call 101 or 999 in an emergency. By calling 101, residents can access many services offered by the constabulary, including making a scheduled appointment with an officer.

Ashbourne enquiry office will be open from 10am to 2pm Monday to Friday.