A prospective MP for Witney is campaigning for Thames Valley Police to reopen its police station front desk in the town 'to maintain and build trust'.

Charlie Maynard, the Lib Dem prospective parliamentary candidate for Witney, has launched a petition seeking residents' views on restoring the front counter at the station in Welch Way.

It closed in March 2020 due to Covid-19 and then closed permanently in August 2020 as part of cost-cutting measures.

Prior to the pandemic, it was open from 10am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.

READ MORE: Student hockey tournament ends in pub ruckus

To speak to a member of the police, other than in an emergency, the nearest police station is now Oxford or Abingdon.

Mr Maynard said:  "This means that there is now not a single location in West Oxfordshire where residents can go and meet police officers face to face, seek assistance and report crimes.

"The closure of the station's front desk has left the community without a local hub for face-to-face interactions with police officers, only being able to communicate with them over the phone or online. 

“Police front desks play a vital role in keeping our communities safe and residents in West Oxfordshire are concerned. 

"The closest front desks are now in Abingdon and Oxford, which, for many people, are not practical solutions.

“The reopening of the Witney police station will ensure that residents have access to the services they need to stay safe and secure.”

Ten Hampshire and Isle of Wight police stations have reopened since the pandemic.

Mr Maynard, backed by Tim Bearder who is standing to be the next Thames Valley Police Crime and Commissioner, said he is urging TVP to join this trend.

Mr Maynard said: “I  recognise the challenges posed by the pandemic, but other regions have found ways to reopen police stations while prioritising public safety.

"We understand that the police force is committed to serving and protecting the public. Part of this commitment is about ensuring that the public has direct, physical access to the police. 

"This is both practically useful and helps maintain and build trust.

"While many of us live in an increasingly digital world, many people don’t."

READ MORE: 'Invisible' councillor resigns to stand as MP for Bournemouth

Thames Valley Police has said it is adapting to the way most people now make contact which is either online or by phone.

The force said both Witney and Carterton police stations remain available for officers, and "there has not been a reduction in the service given to those living locally".

“Carterton has remained as a base for the neighbourhood team and other officers, while neighbourhood officers and CID teams also work from Witney.

"Our officers are still working from the sites and are able to still serve the communities just as effectively as they always have done."