10 Feb 2016

Consultation on West Coast police extended

5:28 pm on 10 February 2016

The police have extended the timeframe for public consultation on a controversial review of services on the West Coast.

Police.

Photo: RNZ / Alexander Robertson

The Area Commander, Inspector Mel Aitken, said staff and the community would get a further two weeks to consider aspects of the proposal before making submissions.

Several police services in Greymouth would be centralised, and the township of Karamea's sole police officer axed.

Close to 350 people packed into a meeting in Westport last week to voice their concern at the possible loss of services throughout West Coast districts.

The plan was to have been finalised next month.

The closing date for submissions is now 4 March.

Mr Aitken said everyone should take the opportunity to attend a consultation session so details of the proposal could be further explained.

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