Public meeting over Surrey police custody suite plan

Surrey Police want to build a suite of 24 cells on an industrial estate

Residents opposed to plans by Surrey Police to open a new custody centre in their village will get the chance to have their say at a public meeting.

Initial plans for a 30-cell suite on the Salbrook Road industrial estate in Salfords were rejected by Reigate and Banstead Council last June.

The force lodged an appeal in December, reducing the size to 24 cells and re-submitting its application.

Protesters against the plans fear the centre will increase traffic and crime.

Surrey Police has said its current prisoner accommodation at Reigate police station, which has 12 cells, is inadequate for the area of east Surrey it covers and takes officers away from patrolling the streets.

The force also has custody suites in Guildford, Staines and Woking.

Tuesday's public meeting, which has been organised by Salfords and Sidlow Parish Council, is being held in Salfords Village Hall at 1930 GMT.