Rossington Police station petitioners claim victory as force announces ‘drop-in sessions’
More than 3,000 people signed a petition calling for the station to be reopened
City councillors, residents and an MP are claiming victory after police chiefs agreed to host “drop-in sessions” after a petition to reopen the front desk at a local police station amassed more than 3,000 signatures.
South Yorkshire Police confirmed five “drop-in sessions” have been scheduled at Rossington Police Station through July, August and September 2026, allowing residents to “come and meet the team, discuss any issues and report any incidents”.
Local political figures claim the sessions are the result of tireless campaigning and petitioning from Labour Party councillor Bob Anderson, as well as resident Margaret Field and Rossington Parish councillor Gaynor Spencer.
The trio started collecting handwritten signatures for their petition, which asks South Yorkshire Police to reopen the front desk at Rossington Police Station – making it “active” again, in February 2026, spending many an hour petitioning residents outside local supermarkets.
Cllr Anderson said he was “absolutely delighted” with the announcement of the drop-in sessions.
“It sends a more powerful message that we’ve actually gone out there. This is what 3,000 people have told us in all weather,” he said.
“The hard work has paid off.
“We’ve got to have people use it. If you see things happen, go down and use it. If you seen anti-social behaviour, go down and report it.”
In recent weeks, Cllr Anderson, Margaret and Gaynor had presented the petition to the local MP, Labour’s Lee Pitcher, asking for his support.
The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) understands Mr Pitcher’s team facilitated the meetings with police officers, helping secure the sessions.
The Doncaster East & the Isle of Axholme MP said: “It’s brilliant news that we’ve been able to secure an interim drop-in service at Rossington Police Station. A big thank you to South Yorkshire Police for agreeing with my proposal to do this for the community.
“The local petition shows how important maintaining a police presence is to people in Rossington, and I will soon be meeting with Oliver Coppard, the Mayor of South Yorkshire, to see what can be achieved longer-term for residents.”
A South Yorkshire Police spokesperson confirmed the drop-in sessions will be held on:
Friday, July 24: 10am – 2pm
Friday, August 7: 3pm – 7pm
Saturday, August 29: 10am – 2pm
Tuesday, September 8: 10am – 2pm
Monday, September 28: 3pm – 7pm
Despite the hopes of petitions that this was a “trial period” to reopen the station, the police force said it had no plans to reopen the front desk at Rossington Police Station.