THE front counter of Worcester Police Station where city sex offenders register is closed today with the nearest counter in Kidderminster.

A sign on the window of the station in Castle Street gives a few details about the closure.

It reads: "Public Service Counter will be closed on: Thursday 16th March 2023. Your nearest Station providing a Public Service Counter is Kidderminster Police Station. We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause."

The public is also advised they can report crime online at www.westmercia.police.uk/report and for crimes in progress call 999.

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The police station itself is in operation today with officers seen escorting a man in handcuffs into the building and both uniformed and plain clothes officers inside.

The opening hours are listed as Monday to Saturday, 8am to 6.30pm and on Sundays and Bank Holidays between 10am and 4pm. 

 

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There is also advice that reads: "When station is closed please use public contact point for assistance."

We reported in October 2021 about a public consultation on the future of police station front counters. It was suspended after just one day and was yet to have been relaunched.

The survey related to the cutting back of the opening hours of West Mercia Police's six stations including Worcester's station in Castle Street.

The survey was originally launched on Monday, (October 11, 2021), and those wanting to have their say, which could have determined how long police station front counters are open for locals to see officers face-to-face, had until October 25 to share their views.

The front counter is where sex offenders are asked to register after being convicted of offences. 

Sex offenders must register with West Mercia in person, within three days of being convicted, sentenced, cautioned or released from prison for a sexual offence.

We have approached West Mercia Police, the police and crime commissioner John Campion and the Police Federation for a reaction.