Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen has announced a new temporary home for Neighbourhood and Response policing teams in Newton Aycliffe as work continues to identify a permanent police base in the town.
The County Durham and Darlington PCC and force have been working hard to identify a ‘cost-effective and operationally sound’ alternative after Durham Constabulary’s 10-year lease at Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service’s Central Avenue Station in Newton Aycliffe came to an end.
Agreements have now been reached for both Response and Neighbourhood Policing Teams to move into temporary accommodation in GLOW on Aycliffe Business Park.
Works will now commence in preparation for a scheduled move in the week beginning February 19.
The commissioner recently polled Newton Aycliffe residents to help identify a solution that would be supported by the town.
Nearly half of those who responded to the online survey said they preferred a police station within the confines of Newton Aycliffe to accommodate Response Officers and the Neighbourhood Policing Team, with an additional public contact ‘hub’ point on Central Avenue.
Commissioner Allen said: “The scheduled move into GLOW is temporary and will ensure both teams remain in the confines of Aycliffe to be able to respond urgently and effectively when needed by the public.
“However, those who wish to visit the police station itself, either to report crime or present documents and so on, will still need to do so at Central Avenue as GLOW is not open to the public.
“Residents have made clear their expectations for a fully functioning police station within Aycliffe and my team will continue to work with the force to identify a permanent solution with a hub in the town centre.
“In the meantime, business will continue as usual, with members of the Neighbourhood Policing Team in Aycliffe Fire Station on Central Avenue where officers have office space, an interview room and a front counter.
“As previously stated, I am absolutely committed to maintaining a strong policing footprint in Newton Aycliffe.
“I hope this announcement will reassure residents we are not leaving the area and continue to work hard to protect the strong and accessible policing they deserve.”