By Paul Crute

Last updated at 11:30, Friday, 22 June 2012

A new era in policing began today with the opening of Cockermouth’s police station.

The building on Europe Way, on the outskirts is the new central base for the Allerdale Rural Neighbourhood Policing team with operating bases in Keswick, Aspatria, Silloth and Wigton.

The old police station was sold off in December after it was though it was not fit for purpose and it is hoped the new facilities will provide easier access, better parking, good links to the town as well as providing abetter working environment for officers and staff.

It is believed the improved access to the main road will result in faster response times for officers going out to rural locations while a presence can be maintained in Cockermouth town centre.

The bases in Silloth and Aspatria will provide accommodation for officers and PCSOs for a number of years but there are no plans to open front counter services in the town.

Keswick and Wigton police stations were considered too big and were underused by officers and PCSOs who spent more time in their community.

Officers in Keswick will relocate to shared accommodation in Keswick while officers in Wigton will move to the Local Links building.

Chief Constable Stuart Hyde said: “We are pleased that an investment has been made to improve facilities at Cockermouth.

“Allerdale Rural covers a vast area, from Silloth to Keswick and the location of the new station provides better and quicker access to all areas.

“The new centralised building for police officers will enable resources to be allocated more effectively to deal with the communities’ concerns and issues.

“Police officers will be dispersed out in the communities rather than in buildings to provide a more visible presence.

“Local residents can rest assured that police patrols and service will be unaffected by the moves.”

Ray Cole, Cumbria Police Authority chairman, added: “The existing facilities were reviewed and it was apparent that Cockermouth needed a new base, which was more suitable for the demands of the area.”

The front counter at Cockermouth will be open from 8.30am to 4.30pm from Monday to Thursday and 8.30am to 4pm on Friday.

First published at 11:27, Friday, 22 June 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk