I HAVE just received the official notification that Broadway police station is not reopening following the fire.

Having been a volunteer for the last 17 years (I am the only original volunteer remaining), it is a very sad time.

Yes, I appreciate that there have to be cut-backs, but what I can’t understand is why this station.

The two officers that cover the village will still have to be paid regardless of where they are based, the volunteers run the front counter for free (yes, we do get petrol expenses now, but that is not a huge amount), and people do come in to report things to us as rather than the officers.

I made a Freedom of Information request to West Mercia Police to ask how much the basic salary costs are for the police and crime commissioner’s department, as there are cut-backs. I was horrified with the reply!

The basic pay for the last 12 months (November 2013 to October 2014) was £519,533.

In times of cut-backs, wouldn’t you think the PCC would lead by example and make his department to be the first to make such cut-backs?

Obviously not. The people of Broadway deserve a station, especially with the recent criminal acts that have taken place there.

One has to ask the question, is the PCC department really fit for purpose?

Sharon Summers

Pebworth