Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews has officially opened a new police base in Uppingham giving Rutland’s police officers more space and better facilities to do their jobs.
Members of the Safer Neighbourhood Team in Uppingham have moved into a spacious room at the front of Uppingham Town Hall which overlooks the High Street.
The move was negotiated by Mr Matthews and represents a significant upgrade in facilities for the team.
The new office will offer meeting and interviewing facilities enabling residents who want to speak to an officer to make an appointment – ensuring the team remains accessible and at the very heart of the community.
The new facility, which includes parking, was officially opened in a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by the PCC and attended by Chief Constable Rob Nixon, Lord Lieutenant of Rutland Dr Sarah Furness, Neighbourhood Policing Area Inspector Madeley Harland, Uppingham Mayor Liz Clarke and Uppingham Deputy Mayor David Ainslie BEM.
Speaking after the ceremony, Mr Matthews said: “When I became PCC, I was determined to improve the visibility of the police in Rutland and upgrade the facilities that enable them to meet and serve the people of the county. This new facility within Uppingham Town Hall is a fantastic setting for officers in the town, offering a vastly improved space and facilities to do their jobs and tackle the issues that matter to our residents.
“Increasing the visibility of our officers is a key priority in my Police and Crime Plan. I know how important it is to residents that officers are active and visible in their local communities and this move will ensure officers remain at the very heart of the town centre.
“I am grateful to our partners for their support in making this move happen. The Safer Neighbourhood Team is always keen to build stronger links with residents and partner agencies to jointly-solve problems and this new base will only enhance this work while maximising the impact of our resources.”