CIVIC leaders in Williton have condemned the lack of consultation over a decision to close Williton police station. Parish councillors are calling for Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens to talk to them following last week's announcement by the force which will result in changes to frontline police buildings across West Somerset. As reported in last week's Free Press the changes, scheduled to take effect from 2016/17, will see Minehead's inquiry office and policing team move to a new site in the town, where it will be joined by Williton. Dulverton's police office will also move to a new site, while Watchet's existing 'shop front' on the Esplanade will only be open in the summer. The changes follow the opening of three new custody suites and police centres in the force area, including one in Bridgwater. In a statement Mrs Mountstevens said the new arrangements would enable more officers to remain "on or close to the frontline" and that people should not feel the police were withdrawing from their area or street. "Our plans are about reducing the amount of oversized and under-utilised buildings we own and providing the best possible access for our communities," she said. But at its annual meeting on Monday Williton Parish Council voiced its unhappiness at the way the decision had been made. Chairman Cllr Robert McDonald said he had made it clear that the way the decision was announced, without any notification or consultation with local councillors, was wrong. "I know this is due to happen about two years down the line but the police have said the decision has been made and now they intend to consult on it - it seems a bit Mickey Mouse to me," he said. "I don't think it is the right way to do things." But Cllr Rebecca James said police chiefs had pledged that police officers would be based in the community. "They are saying they are closing the police station but it is already virtually closed - it is hardly ever open," she said. "This could be an opportunity for potential housing so there is a benefit in the long term for that site. "It may just be a change to the way the area is policed." But Cllr McDonald said he still believed that police chiefs needed to talk to local councillors. "We need to tell the commissioner that and ask her to explain how they intend to operate in the future."