Radical plans which could see Dorking police station close have been approved.

Surrey Police Authority yesterday (Thursday) gave its support to a planned shake-up which will see older and under used police buildings close.

The changes, put forward by Surrey Police Chief Constable Mark Rowley, will also reduce the number of senior officers to put 200 more constables on the streets.

The decision means that further detailed planning and the first stages of implementation will now begin.

The Authority will also begin the process of consulting with the public on the plans for changes to the police estate.

But the Authority’s 17 Members agreed that no police station should close unless better alternatives can be provided.

Alternatives mooted for Dorking Police Station have included Mole Valley District Council’s Pippbrook building or the town’s High Street.

Peter Williams, Surrey Police Authority chairman, said spending cutbacks had forced the review.

He said: “This is a complex plan arising from a simple reality – our budget will be cut in the future. The Authority believes that the best and most sensible course of action is to act now to protect front line policing as far as possible from the impact of those cuts.”

Mark Rowley, Chief Constable of Surrey Police said: “I am excited that Surrey Police Authority has given its support to the package of changes. Although we are facing significant financial pressures it is essential that we do everything that we can to provide the services people are asking for.

“We are planning to recruit up to 200 police constables by April 2012 to tackle anti social behaviour and serious and organised crime, including criminals travelling into Surrey.