THE Police and Crime Commissioner for Cornwall and Devon has confirmed that the force does ‘not have the funds’ to reopen Launceston’s police enquiry office.

The news comes after a number of local figures have campaigned for the matter, including the area’s MP.

Ben Maguire, Liberal Democrat MP for North Cornwall, expressed that the commissioner’s decision to leave the Conservative Party presented an opportunity for Ms Hernandez "to act in the public interest without party pressure” and make “Launceston’s front desk... a priority.”

He 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."

However, Ms Hernandez has confirmed this week that there are no funds to enable such a move.

Speaking to the Post, she said: “To date, my office has reopened or delivered 17 police station enquiry offices (PEO) – the highest number that has been achieved in the country. During the 2025/26 financial year, we opened three in Tavistock, Ivybridge and Liskeard.

“The hope had been to continue reopening more. However, after the poor government police funding settlement announced this year for Devon and Cornwall – which was one of the lowest for policing nationally – it has created a shortfall of £3.3-million on top of planned £6.6-million savings.

“This means I cannot commit to reopening any police station front desks except in Exmouth which is part of wider station improvements.

“I appreciate this is disappointing news for Launceston residents, but we simply don’t have the funds available to do so. Instead, the focus remains on delivering the priorities in the Police and Crime Plan – antisocial behaviour, drugs and alcohol, theft and serious violence – while also maintaining record high police officer numbers of 3,610.”

Despite her reasoning, this hasn’t prevented criticism and disappointment among local figures. One individual who has expressed his concern is Cornwall councillor Damon Dennis (Lib Dem, Launceston South), who said the news came as a shock following ‘positive discussions’ last year.

He told the Post: “I was very disappointed to hear that the Launceston police enquiry desk will not reopen this year. Following positive discussions last year between the Police and Crime Commissioner, our MP, several county councillors, the deputy mayor and myself, I had hoped the service would be reinstated.”

Though, Cllr Dennis has said the news isn’t all bad — with suggestions being made their could be reconsiderations should funding become available.

He added: “My understanding from the Commissioner’s office is that the decision is due to financial pressures. Devon and Cornwall Police is currently required to find £6.6-million in savings following a poor government funding settlement. However, I have been advised that if the force’s financial position improves in future funding settlements, the Commissioner would be willing to reconsider reopening our enquiry desk.”