Tenterden could become a pilot for the first virtual police station in Kent.

Members of the public would connect via a television screen in the town hall with a police station front counter somewhere in the county.

They could then discuss issues face to face or ask for information and advice.

Town councillors backed the idea after a presentation to the public works committee on Monday.

“We have lost our police station and our front counter. With this scheme there will be a virtual presence in the town hall” - Cllr Callum Knowles

Cllr Callum Knowles said a similar scheme was in operation in Nottinghamshire.

“We have lost our police station and our front counter,” he said. “With this scheme there will be a virtual presence in the town hall.”

Sgt Neil Beaven said the virtual station worked by a TV screen lighting up when someone entered the room and there was interaction with front counter staff.

“Kent police are going through changes in the way we deal with people at the front counter,” he said.

“We are very conscious of the fact that there are certain rural areas where we have lost contact.

“The pilot would provide a service with a police station where there is a front counter to interact with members of the public.”

Opening times, he said, would be 9am to 5pm, which is when station front counters operate.

Cllr Knowles said that BT would pay for the equipment so there would not be much cost to the council.

Cllr Paul Clokie said that the idea should be welcomed and Cllr Sue Ferguson said there would be an apetite for it.

Committee chairman Cllr Mike Carter told Sgt Beaven: “I think we are in support of this and can work out the details.

“In principle, we would love to support you. We want a police presence and this is a way of doing it.”

The committee agreed to back the idea.

Let us know what do you think in the comments.

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