An arresting new look awaits the police station

BISHOP'S Stortford police station is to close its doors and move to temporary premises at the weekend as major refurbishment work begins.

The ambitious £1million programme at the Basbow Lane station, which was given the go-ahead in January, is scheduled for completion in about nine months time.

In the meantime, officers and support staff will work from the former police houses at King Street, just behind the present station.

East Herts police have assured residents that apart from a temporary closure of the enquiry desk at the weekend, officers will still be on duty throughout that period, and police patrols will continue.

Area Inspector Bob Radwell said: "Although our enquiry office will be closed, all other policing services will carry on as normal.

"We apologise in advance for any inconvenience but would like to assure everyone that officers will be patrolling the town as usual - 24 hours a day, every day, and staff will be available on the phone."

He added: "We are very excited about the refurbishment works. They will give this station a much-needed facelift."

Cells will also be made bigger, toilets will be upgraded, disabled visitors will have easier access thanks to the installation of a lift, and the station's windows will also be replaced.

While the move to the temporary premises takes place, the enquiry desk will be closed from 5pm on Saturday until 8am on Monday when it will re-open at the new site.

During the enquiry desk closure, there will be a telephone available at the existing Basbow Lane building to enable anyone visiting in person to contact police in an emergency.

Signs will direct visitors to the King Street police station from Monday, November 16, until the old station is re-opened next year.

For non-emergencies, the neighbouring police stations are open at Sawbridgeworth, Buntingford and Hertford.

And if anyone has driving documents to produce on those three days, they can also be taken to police stations in Essex, which may be more convenient.

East Herts police spokeswoman Annabel Coakley said: "The emergency 999 service will not be affected throughout the move and refurbishment."

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