PCC announces possible solution for SNT base in Clare

Suffolk’s Police and Crime Commissioner Tim Passmore has announced a possible solution for the St Edmundsbury Rural South Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) base in Clare.
The SNT, which comprises two police officers, three PCSOs and a Special Constable is currently based in Harp Lane. The lease on the building is due to expire in the next few months and alternative locations for the team are being considered to assist in achieving essential efficiency savings.
Discussions are on-going with the Fire and Rescue Service which could result in the Fire Station in Station Road being used in as drop-in centre whilst long term solutions are explored.
Tim Passmore said, “I attended a meeting in Clare last week, chaired by local County Councillor Mary Evans and spoke to 60 members of the public concerned that the lease on the building currently used as the police base in the town was due to expire in six months.
“At that meeting Deputy Chief Constable, Gareth Wilson and I pledged to find a solution and are pleased, with the support of Suffolk Fire and Rescue we will be able to keep a policing base in the town, whilst we look at our long term options
He added, “I welcomed the opportunity to meet with the people of Clare last week to listen to their views and suggestions to help chart the way forwards. I’m sure everyone will agree that enabling the SNT to use the Fire Station is a practical and value for money solution.”
“Regardless of where the officers are based, I can assure residents of Clare and the surrounding area that the Constabulary will maintain its local police presence at the existing levels for the foreseeable future in spite of the reductions in posts at county policing command, and that they will see no change in the policing services they currently receive.”
The current SNT base in Harp Lane is not open to the public and the same will apply to this new base. Full details of the proposal are now being worked through with the Fire Service and the Constabulary will share these plans with the public for their views in due course.
David Skevington, Assistant Chief Constable said, “We are very grateful to the support of our colleagues in the Fire Service in this issue. This is another excellent example of public services working together to provide the very best service possible to the people of Suffolk. Work is now underway as part of the Suffolk Local Policing Review to identify how we can re-design policing across the county to be the most efficient we can, whilst protecting our high levels of service.”
Councillor Colin Spence, cabinet member for Public Protection for Suffolk County Council said; “We are committed to working in partnership with our blue-light partners and intend to share our fire stations where this helps us to support our communities.”