§ Mr. YeoTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police stations have closed down in(a) England and (b) Wales in each of the last 10 years in areas defined as rural and areas defined as urban. [136720]
§ Mr. Charles Clarke[holding answer 6 November 2000]: Estimates by police forces of the number of police stations opened or closed in England and Wales between 31 March 1990 and 31 March 2000 are set out in the table. Overall, it is estimated that 309 new stations have been opened and 939 closed.
Year end Opened Closed Number change Total stations open March 1990 — — — 2,729 1991 35 -47 -12 2,717 1992 14 -49 -35 2,682 1993 29 -124 -95 2,587 1994 32 -145 -113 2,474 1995 30 -120 -90 2,384 1996 31 -68 -37 2,347 1997 42 -95 -53 2,294 1998 33 -96 -63 2,231 1999 44 -90 -46 2,185 2000 19 -105 -86 2,099 Total changes 309 -939 -630 — A table of figures by force area has been placed in the Library. (There is no formal definition of "rural" or "urban" forces).
The force-by-force analysis suggests significant variations in force policy in relation to police stations. The figures reflect the changing pattern of policing as Chief Constables and Police Authorities have responded to changing patterns of demand for services and have sought improved efficiency and effectiveness in service delivery.
Many police premises which have been closed or replaced will have deteriorated or have been inadequate for the demands of modern policing. Many will have become little used by the public. The Audit Commission report, "Action Stations—Improving the Management of the Police Estate" (1999) makes a strong case for further rationalisation of the police estate.
I do, however, understand the concern of those who live in areas which have lost a permanent policing presence. Accordingly, I am discussing, with the Association of Chief Police Officers and the Association of Police Authorities, how each police authority might better inform the public about the steps it is taking to maintain and improve police visibility and effectiveness in all parts of England and Wales.