Town's police team relocates to council offices

The move aims to support local policing and provide more value for taxpayer money, a PCC has said

Whitchurch's policing team has relocated to the town council offices - a move which the region's police and crime commissioner said would support local policing and provide more value for taxpayer money.

Previously located in Whitchurch Community Hospital, John Campion said the change gave the policing team a dedicated space from which to operate.

He added it was the right size to meet the team's operational requirements and deliver cost savings.

"We are pleased to have identified a new base for Whitchurch's safer neighbourhood team, which will allow the team to maintain relationships with the local community as well as continue to protect them," said Ch Supt Mo Lansdale.

"It's vital our officers are where they need to be to help prevent crime and reassure our communities, and continuing to have a site in the heart of the Whitchurch community is part of our neighbourhood policing promise," he added.

The building, called the "Old Police Station", on Station Road, is now the town hall and community hub.

Town mayor, councillor Rose Hall, said it was a "pleasure to be able to welcome [officers] 'home'."

"The move is something we have been working on, collaboratively, for some time, so it is great to finally see it come to fruition," she said.

"The team will benefit from reduced costs and an accessible, independent workspace, which will ultimately prove beneficial to residents."