A NEW police station has officially opened.
The new station in Crowborough was unveiled on Wednesday, September 8, after the Police and Crime Commissioner purchased the former Crowborough Town Council building in 2019.
The building replaces the former outdated and out-of-town police station.Sussex PCC Katy Bourne said the new station will give residents a “real sense of community policing”.
“From my consultation in the town last year, I know that this has been missed in recent times and will be warmly welcomed by local people,” she said.
"I’m looking forward to seeing the new police station acting as a real hub of the community, providing reassurance and protection to Crowborough as well as to the neighbouring rural areas.
"The more central location of the new station will house members of the neighbourhood policing team, making them a genuine part of the town and more visible to residents. This is exactly what local people told me they wanted."
Members of the Wealden Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) will be based in the new town centre facility.
PCC Bourne said due to its central location, officers will be able to spend more time proactively policing the community and tackling local issues, with less time travelling between hubs.
Wealden NPT inspector Kendal Wells said: “This has been an exciting project to be involved in and the opening of the new station will be really positive news for the communities of North Wealden.
“Officers and staff see this as an excellent opportunity to work from a new base and I know they cannot wait to get started.”
While the station is primarily a new Wealden Neighbourhood Police station, other teams such as Response, the Roads Policing Unit, the Rural Crime Team and others will be regular visitors.
The station was officially opened on September 8, in the attendance of PCC Bourne, Wealden MP Nusrat Ghani, T/ACC Jayne Dando, local Wealden town and parish councillors and Sussex Police staff and officers.
Divisional commander for East Sussex chief superintendent Tanya Jones said: “Ultimately the move to this central location provides a more accessible and visible presence to help with community policing and working together as one to address issues.
"Visiting a police station is one of the ways the public can report crime or contact a member of Sussex Police. We are committed to providing services that meet customer needs and understand the value placed upon being able to visit a police station face-to-face, alongside providing a wide range of contact options over the phone and online."
On Thursday, September 9, the front office will be open from 12.30pm.
Regular opening times for the front office at the new police station will be Monday to Friday, 10am to 2pm
