Richard Lyne EMAS, CC Simon Cole, Councillor Virge Richichi NWLDC, Inspector Helena Bhakta, PCC Lord Willy Bach and Assistant Chief Fire Officer Richard Hall
Today the Chief Constable Simon Cole and the Police and Crime Commissioner, Lord Willy Bach, have officially opened the new police station in Coalville.
Dedicated Neighbourhood Officers (DNOs) and the Neighbourhood Investigation Unit (NIU) moved into the new building at the beginning of January which is on the same site as Coalville Fire and Rescue Station on Broad Street.
The old building on Ashby Road had become too big for modern policing purposes and was expensive to run and costly to repair. The site was sold on the open market.
The new office is not open to the public as the front enquiry staff are based in the reception of North West Leicestershire District Council on Whitwick Road.
Simon Cole said; “It’s a pleasure to officially open our newest building today. The old police station had become too big for us and needed a lot of money spending on it so it made financial sense to move into a modern smaller building. It also makes sense to be based on the same site as our other colleagues in the emergency services who we work with so closely.
“We are committed to being based in the heart of our communities and having our front enquiry service in the council offices gives local people a better service as they can access all the local services they need under one roof.”
Willy Bach added: “Working more closely with our local blue light partners is a logical step that delivers economic savings and I’m delighted that this shared location has come to fruition.
“Let’s not forget that it’s not buildings that keep our communities safe from harm, it is people - police officers and police staff.”
Paul Weston, Area Manager Operational Response at Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We are delighted to welcome Leicestershire Police to Coalville Fire and Rescue Station, bringing two blue light services together in one place in the heart of the local community.”
“The move will not only enable both services to make the most effective use of public money, but also allow us to work even closer with our blue light partners in a collaborative way, strengthening current relationships between both emergency services.”
“We look forward to sharing this modern facility to better help protect our local communities.”
The move does not mean there will be less officers in the area. The local policing presence will remain the same. Officers will also continue to use the five neighbourhood offices that are based in a range of buildings across the area patrolling and working as they do now.
Ends
Posted on Monday 5th March 2018