Durham Police and Crime Commissioner Ron Hogg has announced plans for a new police station in Newton Aycliffe.
The existing police station in the town centre has been closed for two years since it became unfit for purpose due to its age and running costs.
Durham Police Authority then took the decision to take out a lease for a new police station at Parsons Court on the main industrial estate in the town.
Surveys amongst residents have shown that they feel that the out of town police station at Parsons Court is too far to travel.
Since the Police and Crime Commissioner has taken office in Nov 2012 he has been working with the Force to identify how to improve police presence in the town.
In setting the 2013/14 budget the Police and Crime Commissioner has included £500,000 to be used to demolish the existing town centre police station and replace it with a small modular building.
Ron Hogg said: “I am very pleased to be able to announce this. Newton Aycliffe is a big town and its public want a town centre presence.
“This new police station will provide the same service as that provided from Parsons Court.
“Crime in Newton Aycliffe is low and continues to fall and this new building will provide further reassurance to the public.”
Residents can expect to see the current building disappear before the end of the year.
Mr Hogg added: “In terms of timescales, I expect the existing building will be demolished at the end of this year and the new building opened in the first half of next year.
“This is subject to working with the relevant agencies such as the Planning Department at the County Council.
“I wish to express my thanks to the people of Newton Aycliffe for the support that they give to the Force.”
Source: www.durham-pcc.gov.uk
6 Comments
Stuart Mawson
February 7, 2013 at 10:01 amThats a great idea thank god something is getting done im sure the residents of the town will pleased so what is going to be done about cctv in the town, thats what we need.
H. Chadwick
February 7, 2013 at 4:47 pmRebuilding a new staition, on site of old one is whatt was promised originanly?
dawn hughes
February 7, 2013 at 5:26 pmWow , I’m impressed too hear that people are being heard n we are too get our police station back on the town , cctv needs to be in working order too . Our policing team sea to be on the ball keep up the good work …X
affer
February 7, 2013 at 5:33 pmWill it have a service tunnel directly linked to the murkey dive?
carol balmer
February 7, 2013 at 6:51 pmWhy not save more money and put it into the old rent office in the Rec center, then it will be closer to the public.
Heather
February 8, 2013 at 5:21 pmI am pleased it’s coming back up to the town centre. It would be nice if it could be incorporated into the existing plans but at the same time I can understand the need for access straight onto the main road. PS has someone lost the plans to our town centre redevelpment or are we on version 9 now?