Police force to remain in town as lease ends

A possible solution has been announced to keep St Edmundsbury rural south Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) operating from a base in Clare.

Suffolk’s police and crime commissioner, Tim Passmore, has suggested that staff who are currently based in Harp Lane could move to Clare’s fire station until a long-term solution is found.

The lease for the SNT’s headquarters is due to expire in the next six months and residents have expressed concern over the possibility of losing the police base.

After attending a meeting in Clare last week and speaking to 60 members of the public, Mr Passmore pledged to find a solution.

“I am pleased that, with the support of Suffolk Fire and Rescue, we will be able to keep a policing base in the town while we look at our long-term options,” he said.

“I welcomed the opportunity to meet with the people of Clare to listen to their views and suggestions to help chart the way forward.

“I’m sure everyone will agree that moving the SNT team into the fire station is a practical and value-for-money solution.”

Mr Passmore has reassured Clare’s residents that, regardless of where the officers are based, the constabulary will maintain its local police presence.

The new location will provide a base for the two police officers, three Pcsos and a special constable but, like the current HQ, will remain closed to the public.

The details of the proposed move are being discussed with the fire service.

Assistant Chief Constable David Skevington said they were grateful for the support from the fire service.

“This is another excellent example of public services working together to provide the very best service possible to the people of Suffolk,” he said.

“Work is now under way as part of the local policing review to identify how we can redesign policing across the county to be the most efficient we can, while protecting our high levels of service.”