Seven public meetings have been set up throughout Suffolk for residents to give their views on the county’s police control room potentially being moved to Norfolk.

The proposed merger, put forward by Suffolk Chief Constable Douglas Paxton and his Norfolk counterpart Simon Bailey, has led to fierce criticism from the staff at risk and fears over public safety.

Concerns have been raised about the number of duplicate village and road names in both counties.

Suffolk’s Police and Crime Commissioner Tim Passmore has said it is important the public are consulted before any decision is made.

Mr Passmore also added he wants to hear opinions on plans to develop the concept of a combined Shared Services Partnership.

This aims to bring together a number of support functions such as human resources, finance, information techology, procurement, estates and transport at one location in Suffolk.

A number of possible sites have been explored. The benefits associated with those locations vary. For example, if the service was located at Martlesham the net benefit would be £6.5million over five years compared to a £780K loss over the same period if a new-build in the west of the county is chosen.

The proposals are part of cost-cutting measures aimed at bridging a combined funding gap of £36.7m by March 2018. Suffolk Constabulary must find savings of £16.4m, while Norfolk’s shortfall is £20.3m.

The public meetings are to be held at;

East Bergholt High School on April 9

Samuel Ward Academy, Chalkstone Way, Haverhill, on May 7

Brandon Leisure Centre, Church Road, Brandon, on June 19.

Market Hall, High Street, Saxmundham, on July 21

The Limes Hotel, High Street, Needham Market, on September 3

East Point Academy, Kirkley Run, Lowestoft, on September 22

St John’s Church, Cauldwell Hall Road, Ipswich, on October 13

All the meetings will start at 6.30pm. There is no need to book.

To take part in the EADT’s online survey about whether the Suffolk control room should be merged with Norfolk click hereFor more on our Keep Suffolk’s Policing Local campaign, click here