NORTH Cornwall’s MP is launching a campaign to get the front desk of Launceston’s police station reopened.

During recent years, there has been a steady increase in the number of police station front desks which have been reopened across Cornwall, most recently in Liskeard.

Following its opening, Police and Crime Commissioner, Alison Hernandez commented: “These front desks are an invaluable asset to communities, and I encourage the residents of Liskeard to make use of them to report crime, get advice or find out information about getting help as a victim of crime for friends and family. They also offer a place of safety to people of all ages who feel are at risk or frightened.”

Now, MP for North Cornwall, Ben Maguire has called on Commissioner Hernandez to make the reopening of Launceston Police Station’s public front desk a priority.

It comes after Ms Hernandez announced that she will now serve as independent from party politics - leaving the Conservative Party in an effort to help “win the battle of resources for the people of Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.”

Mr Maguire said the move presents an opportunity for the commissioner "to act in the public interest without party pressure." PCC Alison Hernandez had previously indicated that reopening the station's front desk was within her plans, but is yet to provide local residents an update on her progress.

Commenting, Ben Maguire MP said: "Now that the Police and Crime Commissioner is no longer tied to party politics, she has a real chance to do the right thing for our communities - and reopening Launceston’s front desk should be a priority.

"People here in North Cornwall deserve accessible policing... somewhere they can walk in, speak to an officer, and feel heard. Right now, too many feel this just isn't happening."