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Kirkham 'exposed' by police shortage
PEOPLE in rural Fylde have called for action from Lancashire's top cop after it emerged Kirkham and Wesham has lost police cover due to staff shortages.
The districts, which have a population of around 10,500 residents, are being policed by five officers – instead of the usual seven.
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Members of Wesham town council, who feel the area is being left "exposed", have written to Chief Constable Steve Finnigan about the issue.
Peter Weare, boss at Trade Car Supplies on Station Road, is worried about a fall in the number of officers on the beat.
Vandals have caused hundreds of pounds of damage to cars at his showroom, including damaging paintwork by throwing eggs.
He said: "It is nice to see police walking about as it acts as a deterrent. When people don't see anybody there they are more likely to take a chance.
"Wesham is a lot bigger area than it used to be because there is new housing. I certainly don't want to see fewer police around."
Police bosses say the reduction has been caused by the promotion of a Police Community Support Office (PCSO) to a PC coupled with an officer being off work with an injury.
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Wesham ward councillor Simon Renwick, has criticised police chiefs for failing to replace the officers.
He said: "The more I think about it the more I am getting cross that both Wesham and Kirkham North are being put at risk with this cut in police numbers.
"Neither Wesham nor Kirkham should be left exposed like this."
Police bosses have been unable to say how long the situation will continue but say replacement officers are "in the pipeline".
Insp Derek Darwin, who is based in Kirkham, said: "I would like to reassure local people there has been no reduction in police in Kirkham and Wesham area.
"We remain dedicated to neighbourhood policing and have no plans to reduce the number of officers or PCSOs in any area."
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Weather for Blackpool
Sunday 12 February 2012
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