Honiton: Local MPs welcome news that police station will reopen to the public

Two local MPs have welcomed the news that Honiton Police Station's front desk will reopen this year, after successful campaigns. 

Liberal Democrat MP for Tiverton and Honiton Richard Foord and Simon Jupp, Conservative MP for East Devon, have both campaigned for the reopening of the town's Police Enquiry Desk. 

Devon and Cornwall's Police and Crime Commissioner, Alison Hernandez, has announced 6 front desks will be reopened across the two counties over the next 12 months. 

The 6 stations are part of a wider project which will see a total of 26 desks reopened. £1.5 million has been allocated to the project.

Honiton Police Station saw its front desk close in 2014 as a result of government cuts, but it has remained as an operational base for staff.

Richard Foord said: "I'm delighted that the front desk at Honiton Police Station will be re-opening this year, following the re-opening of the desk in Tiverton last year.

"This is something I have been fighting for even before I was elected and am grateful to everyone who got involved to help make this happen.

"To keep people safe and cut crime we must embed our local police officers within our communities and ensure they are both visible and accessible.

"The announcement is a big win for Honiton, and I hope to see more front desks opened up in future."

Simon Jupp, the Conservative MP for East Devon, had launched a campaign to reopen one station in East Devon, either Honiton, Sidmouth or Ottery St. Mary. He also managed to secure a front desk in Exmouth, which will be open after the station undergoes a refurbishment. 

Mr Jupp said: "This is great news for Honiton and surrounding communities in East Devon. 

"I am really pleased our Police & Crime Commissioner heard my call and the town's police front desk will reopen later this year. 

"The decision means residents in the east of the district will be able to access a local police station and follows my successful campaign to ensure Exmouth's new police station will be open to the public. 

"I will meet with Chief Constable Will Kerr in the coming weeks to discuss future plans for policing across East Devon."