Bassetlaw: MP Mann hits out at police cuts

“Cuts to the police are the wrong kind of cuts, we must defend our 999 services,” he said.

“Fewer crimes are being tackled because the closure of the custody suite in Worksop means the police now have to take people they have arrested to Mansfield.”

“Shoplifting is also on the rise because of the pressure that the cuts have put on the police.”

Home Office minister James Brokenshire MP refused to comment on the closure of the Worksop custody suite during the debate, something Mr Mann said was proof that the Government was ‘out of touch’.

“They fail to understand the importance of frontline officers,” he continued.

“I will continue to fight for the police presence Bassetlaw desperately needs.”

Mr Mann’s views were supported by Bassetlaw Council leader, Coun Simon Greaves, who said: “Without doubt there is a solid case for the need for a custody suite in Bassetlaw.”

“When it was closed I and others warned that there would be a direct impact on local policing and surprise, surprise, we were right.”

“Police top brass thought they had saved money when they closed the custody suite – in reality everyone else is paying the price and local people and businesses are suffering.”

“I think it’s about time Notts Police admitted they got it wrong and spelt out a clear plan as to how we move forward from here.”