South Craven residents are fighting to stop Skipton police station from losing its divisional status.

Craven councillors are to write to Home Secretary Jack Straw urging him to prevent senior officers being moved to as far away as county headquarters at Northallerton - 50 miles from Skipton.

This would result in the possible merger with other police divisions. The divisional commander for Craven would also go.

The councillors fear the impact on crime levels in South Craven villages should the restructuring go ahead.

The letter will say that residents are dissatisfied with the method of consultation North Yorkshire police has used throughout the review period. It will request that Mr Straw investigates the matter and consider the possibly damaging effect it would have on the crime rate and crime detection.

The resolution to write to the Home Secretary was made at a Craven council meeting last week, chaired by Cllr Beth Graham, who praised councillors for their stance on the issue. Several councillors expressed their anger about the police proposal.

Sutton councillor Steve Place said: "Most of our police officers seem to support the view that the boundaries should stay as they are and we need a senior officer at Skipton. There will be one humdinger of a fight to retain that station at Skipton. They have just ridden roughshod over the people of South Craven."

He also questioned the future of Cross Hills police station.

Glusburn councillor Arthur Dixon said: "This is all about power. They want to show that they are now the boss."

The plea for help stems from a North Yorkshire Police boundaries and structure review.

The force is considering replacing the present seven police divisions with just one which would cover the whole of the county.

The consultation period has ended and recommendations have been made. A final decision is expected at the end of September.

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