Rye Observer Comment

So Rye police station may be facing an uncertain future and it is understandable that the initial reaction to this will be one of great concern.

Police stations were once a corner-stone of every community but we live in a vastly different world now – one that is changing all the time.

We now live in a time when people, even if they are out and about, can use a mobile phone or email to instantly relay information to police and enable faster response times.

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What we can say with certainty is that in the 20 year life of this publication we have never seen such proactive police coverage in the town and surrounding villages.

There have been more officers patrolling the streets, greater interaction with local schools, successful operations to deal with anti-social behaviour on weekend evenings and importantly real results. Police cracked a gang of scrap metal thieves, caught those responsible for Iden Store ram-raid while the Neighbourhood Policing Team has been a constant, visible and reassuring presence in the town.

It is natural to be resistant to change but would it really be so bad if police had a contact point in a central location such as the new library and information centre?

The Olympic Torch coming to Rye next Wednesday is a momentous event and we will be there to cover it in full with up to the minute coverage on our website and a supplement packed with pictures and memories in the Friday edition.

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Hundreds of our local school children will be taking part in a procession to follow the Torch.

Even if you are not a sports fan and inspired by the Olympics it would be good to turn-out in Rye on Wednesday morning and support our local youngsters.

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