CONSULTATION on plans to officially close Penistone Police Station’s building and relocate officers to the nearby library is now underway.

The library is currently in the process of being transformed into a community hub and, once the work is completed in early April, it’s hoped services will come together under one roof.

The existing police station is not open to the public and has not had a front desk facility for a number of years.

The building is a large, ageing property that is no longer suited to modern policing needs and is costly to maintain for the small number of staff based there.

Relocating the team allows resources to be used more efficiently while protecting frontline policing and improving opportunities for joint working with partners, bosses say.

Coun Hannah Kitching, who represents the Penistone West ward, told the Chronicle: “I think it’s good that they will have a base in the community hub.

“The police station hasn’t had a manned desk for a long time.

“We would have all loved to see it reopened but that just isn’t realistic.

“Pop-up police stations are a good way of making the team accessible.”

There are a number of planned consultation events, with the first happening yesterday and the next taking place at St John’s Community Centre on Thursday from 6pm to 7pm.

Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, Kilvinder Vigurs, added: “This change will support the ongoing continuity of policing for the local community.

“It is really important that the people of Penistone are fully informed and reassured about how neighbourhood policing will continue locally.

“The move to the library is a change of base, not a reduction in service.( “Officers and PCSOs will remain just as visible and active in the community and co-locating within the new community hub creates opportunities for better partnership working and more day-to-day contact with residents.”