New police station 'better suited' to needs opens

Police say the new building is "better suited" to their needs

A new police station has been opened in Somerset, which aims to be "more efficient and sustainable".

Avon and Somerset Police have opened a new Minehead station at the former Seahorse Centre, on Stephenson Road.

They purchased the building from Somerset Council and began work in May.

Neighbourhood Ch Insp Rebecca Wells-Cole said: “The way our teams work and the technology we use means that this new facility is much better suited to our needs."

She added: "I hope that this move also shows that we are committed to protecting and serving the community of Minehead for many years to come.”

The station is the new home of the Minehead inquiry office and Neighbourhood Policing Team.

There are also "touchdown desks" for response officers to work from.

'Visible'

The team has moved from the former premises at Townsend Road, which was oversized, in need of extensive refurbishment and no longer met the needs of modern policing, the force said.

Police and Crime Commissioner Clare Moody added the new station reflected "a visible and accessible police presence".

"Having local officers nearby clearly offers a real sense of safety and reassurance," she said.

"By providing this modern space, we’re enabling the police to stay closely connected with Minehead residents, which is essential for building trust and confidence."