Chief Constable gives Yeovil "front desk" the thumbs up

THE new front office at Yeovil Police Station has been officially opened by Chief Constable Colin Port.

The police station has undergone a major renovation to upgrade the facilities on the ground floor.

The work carried out has included relocating the public entrance and front office and also refurbishing the front office. The existing interview rooms alongside the front office have also been updated and additional rooms have been created.

The project forms part of the final stages of a refurbishment project to renovate the whole building.

Yeovil Police Station was built in 1974 and this is the first significant upgrade to the front office since then. The new facilities also have improved disability access and are more user friendly.

The changes are designed to ensure the facility is fit-for-purpose for the long term so that the police station operates as efficiently as possible in its role as both the police station for Yeovil and the main station for Somerset East.

The opening ceremony, held earlier this week, was also attended by Dr Peter Heffer, chair of the Police Authority, as well as community members including MP David Laws, Yeovil Mayor Cllr Clive Davis and representatives from South Somerset District Council.

Chief Supt Nikki Watson, district commander for Somerset East, said: "I'm sure anyone who visited the old office will agree that this work was long overdue and has brought us into the 21st century.

"The front office is now a light, airy and inviting space to welcome members of the community who are seeking our help. People who come into the station to report a crime are often understandably distressed by their ordeal and we want to make sure the front office is a suitable and welcoming environment.

"The work has also involved creating additional facilities, improving access and modernising the reception area throughout. I am very pleased with the results."

Chief Constable Colin Port said: "I believe the new facilities will provide a great environment for staff and visitors alike. I was delighted to see both nationally and locally elected individuals and community representatives at the opening as ultimately the facility is for the community of Somerset East."

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