THE local policing areas (LPA) of Wokingham and Bracknell Forest will soon merge to create a single area.
From Monday, April 4 Wokingham’s superintendent Robert France will take over as the Commander for the combined Bracknell and Wokingham LPA with Chief Inspector Dave Gilbert his Deputy.
Thames Valley Police (TVP) has said in a statement that services to the community will not be affected, and the LPA will continue to operate out of both Loddon Valley and Bracknell police stations.
Superintendent France said: “Having been the Wokingham area commander for over three years now I have seen the very similar challenges faced by Bracknell Forest and Wokingham LPAs.
“By bringing the teams together we will create an LPA with greater flexibility and resilience in our front line teams as well as generating some savings.
“The public should see no difference, with no material changes to our neighbourhood, patrol or investigative teams.
“I am confident that we are putting ourselves in the best possible position to meet the challenges of the future and to continue to deliver high quality local policing.”