Residents' concern over plan to move Raac police base

Surrey Police has had to move out of its Reigate base

Two MPs say residents in East Surrey have expressed concerns over plans to move a police division base.

Surrey Police wants to relocate its Eastern Divisional Headquarters to Leatherhead due to unstable concrete being found at its station in Reigate.

Claire Coutinho, MP for East Surrey, said she would meet local officers in the coming weeks, while Dorking and Horley MP Chris Coghlan said he would be keeping a "close eye" on the situation.

Surrey Police's Mark Chapman, the divisional commander for East Surrey, said he appreciated concern over the move, but the force was "committed to delivering excellent services in East Surrey, and across the county".

The Eastern Division covers Reigate & Banstead, Epsom & Ewell, Mole Valley, and Tandridge

Officers and staff have been working out of a base in Wray Park since April in a two-year temporary move, after the discovery of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (Raac).

Surrey Police bought the Leatherhead site in Cleeve Road in 2018, with plans for a new force headquarters there.

However, a review in 2021 led to a decision to keep Surrey Police headquarters at Mount Browne in Guildford.

Part of the Leatherhead site will now be retained so the new divisional headquarters can be built there.

Ms Coutinho said: “While the Raac issue at Reigate Police Station must be resolved, residents in the east of the county will want assurances that a move to Leatherhead will not cause longer response times or less police presence on the streets.

"I have written to Surrey Police to get these assurances for residents and I will be discussing what this means for our area when I meet local officers in the coming weeks."

Mr Coghlan said: “While I can see this is a boost for Leatherhead, I know my constituents in Horley will be worried about its impact on local police presence. I’ll be keeping a close eye on Surrey Police’s commitment that there is no reduction in service.

“My constituents are deeply frustrated that crimes rarely get properly investigated and we need proper community policing restored.”

Det Ch Supt Chapman added: "I can reassure residents that the Force is committed to being physically present in every borough and district. This will deter and prevent crime and reassure the public.

"To conclude, I must re-emphasise that we are listening to the concerns of the public, and will continue to do so, throughout the process of our relocation.”

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