The Police Authority recently pledged their support for a plan which would see Camelford police officers and staff working alongside their council colleagues in the same building.

The proposal is subject to legal contracts and further consultation but it is hoped that within the next six months work can start to move the police from their

current site to a joint facility in Cornwall Council's one stop shop in College Road.

Cllr Lance Kennedy explains the thinking behind the idea: "Cornwall Council has 23 One Stop Shops. Our aim is to join up our front facing services with the police and other partners to make better use of our valuable property assets and provide greater value for money for council tax payers at the same time as making it easier for local people to access public services in their neighbourhood.

"As part of this aim the council is considering co-locating police and council services in the Camelford One Stop Shop. Consultation is being carried out with members and other stakeholders before a final decision is taken."

T/Chief Inspector Jim Pearce added: "We have been working closely with the council for some time, looking across the county for areas which offer the opportunity to share building space. We know this will not only improve relationships and joint working practices but it can also help us reduce costs and, most importantly, offer the public a better and more convenient service."

Officers and staff from both organisations would

benefit from closer working relationships and

Sgt Paul Jones of Camelford is hoping that the move goes ahead. He explained: "It will be a much better working environment for us. Numbers of officers and staff will remain the same but we would be based in the town centre of the community we serve so this would be a positive move for us and for the people of Camelford."

Camelford could be leading the way by establishing a joint facility but once benefits have been realised the

successful project could be replicated, bringing police and council colleagues together in one site across other areas of Cornwall.

However the plans haven't been met with such

enthusiasm by everyone.

At the Camelford Town Council meeting on Tuesday, May 18, the Mayor of Camelford, Cllr Rob Rotchell read out a letter which set the police side of the argument for the move, and noted that there had been no consultation.

The letter, from John Shepherd, Devon and Cornwall Constabulary Business Manager, said that the Force,

together with Cornwall Council, is reviewing its sites across the county to see where it can improve its service to the public and save money by sharing accommodation.

He said that the final decision regarding Camelford was yet to be made, although a further meeting is

scheduled later in the month to progress the issue.

"However, sharing the council offices in College Road is something the Force would like to achieve, if possible.

"It is our belief that the council offices are as close to the town centre as the existing police station and co-locating with the council would give the local community one point of contact within the town rather than the present two, at either end of the town.

"In addition to providing improved working conditions for our staff, the council offices offer better parking and interview facilities for members of the public."

Mr Shepherd concluded his letter by saying: "Once a final decision is made with regard to the sharing of

accommodation wirth Cornwall Council in Camelford, I will advise yourself and the town council accordingly."

Responding to the letter, Cllr Eddie McCormick said he believed the best option was to allow access to the

primary school site (which will become redundant when the school moves to its new Dark Lane location) for all the town's services, such as the One Stop Shop, police station and medical centre as it also has the benefit of level parking for those with disabilities.

Cllr Brian Lush said that the traffic access and use of College Road made the move a potentially dangerous one, especially for pedestrians.

According to Cllr Bonnie Grills, the council had

already raised these concerns but they did not appear to have taken any notice.

Cllr Lush also felt that it was a very premature move as little was known as to what exactly will happen to the primary school site.

Cllr Rotchell asked for any other councillors'

comments so that the council could formulate a reply, and Cllr Grills suggested to reiterate their previous letter and note that what they proposed was unacceptable and short sighted.