CALLS for a police station for St John’s have been tabled by a resident and former Labour city councillor.
Jenny Barnes, who represented the Arboretum ward from 2019 to 2023, lives with her family on Bromyard Road.
A rise in anti-social behaviour and vandalism has spurred her to propose a police base at St John’s library.
She said: “Lots of local residents have experienced problems with vandalism, damage to cars and theft from gardens and property.
“These crimes undermine local and damage local confidence. We need to see local police on patrol, they need to be seen in the heart of St John’s.
“We need more police officers and Police Community Support Officers. They need a new base where people can visit and report crimes and discuss their concerns, even if it’s not full time and only open for a few hours a day.”
Jenny has suggested St John’s Library as a venue for a police station. She said: “It has vacant rooms, which are often not used, it could be income for the library, increase footfall and provide safety and security when the library is unstaffed It would be a win-win for St John’s.
“We need to bring confidence back to St John’s, we need investment from all agencies.
“I hope the police will see this as an opportunity to tackle a real quality of life issue for residents”.
St John’s County Councillor Richard Udall backed Jenny’s campaign and said: “The issues of crime and disorder need to be addressed.
“A new police station would indicate the Commissioner is serious about tackling the problems which are experienced by many residents.”
“I call upon Mr Campion to meet with myself and local residents so we can discuss our concerns.”
He added: “I believe public agencies and local authorities should share resources. It saves money and could improve a service to the local residents, having a police station in a public library makes perfect sense.
“I see no reasons why it should not happen. Co-operation between the county council and the police in St John’s could achieve real results for local people.”
