POLICE in Prudhoe have taken residence at their new home in the town’s Spetchells Centre.

Neighbourhood officers now have a public enquiries desk on the ground floor of the centre as well as office space for their use on the first floor.

The decision to re-locate police stations to community buildings was made in 2014.

Northumbria Police said the use of community buildings would ensure police officers are accessible and based close to the communities they serve, with all savings made being reinvested back into policing.

On Monday, Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Dame Vera Baird QC visited the centre along with members of the policing team to officially open their new base.

She said: “When I was elected as Police and Crime Commissioner, I promised to keep officers in the heart of the community – our new police base in Prudhoe does exactly that, it ensures visibility and offers reassurances.

“By being located in Spetchells Centre, we have far lower running costs and every single penny saved is reinvested back in to policing. I’m committed to Neighbourhood policing and will continue to do all I can to protect the service.”

Now the neighbourhood team have relocated, Northumbria Police say the old Prudhoe Police Station will be put up for sale with proceeds from any future sale being put back into policing.

The base at the Spetchells Centre will be open from 9am to 5pm.