THE HEAD of Dorchester’s police force insists that there are still plenty of opportunities for the public to get in touch, despite the closure of the county town’s front office.

It was announced last week that Dorchester was one of six locations set to lose their police enquiry office as part of a series of cuts as Dorset Police attempts to find savings of £9.5million by next year.

Inspector Steve Marsh, of Dorchester Police, admitted that it was ‘disappointing’ to lose the office but moved to reassure residents that there was still a strong police presence in the town.

He also added that there were other opportunities and methods for people to get in touch with their local police team and that he accepted it was part of a wider cost-cutting process that will enable more officers to be out and about in the community.

Insp Marsh said: “It has been confirmed that Dorchester Police Station front office provision will close permanently in the near future.

“Whilst it is disappointing to lose this facility, it has been made as part of larger comprehensive financial savings requirements across the force.

“The vast majority of the community now prefer to make contact with police on the phone or the internet and the money saved will allow us to keep more officers on the streets.”

Insp Marsh said that the town’s Safer Neighbourhood police team would continue to make themselves available through various public engagement sessions, such as their regular Thursday morning sessions at Dorchester Library, and through their social media pages on Facebook and Twitter.

He said: “It would be great if we could all keep our front offices open so that members of the public could come in and talk to us at any time of day.

“Unfortunately, financial challenges means that this is simply not a sensible use of resources anymore.

“What is important is that Dorchester Police station is still very much open, with a 24-hour police response presence and a town centre and rural Safer Neighbourhood team.

“We also continue to have weekly meeting sessions at the town library on Thursdays and our SNT website tells you when and where you can meet the team and discuss any issues.

“What is also important to me is that we do not lose the connection between ourselves and you, the community.

“We value and need your support and interaction so please continue to talk to us and attend any of our meetings and let us know your concerns or thoughts on how we are doing.”