People living and working in west Bury St Edmunds have a new place to meet their Safer Neighbourhood Teams and gain assistance with other policing inquiries that’s closer to home. A member of police staff will be available at the home of St Edmundsbury Borough Council and Suffolk County Council, West Suffolk House, between 11.30am and 1.30pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, starting this week (commencing Monday 1st February).

Bury Neighbourhood Inspector Chris Galley says, “We want to make police services, particularly the two Bury Safer Neighbourhood Teams, more accessible to people in town. We work closely with St Edmundsbury Borough and Suffolk County Councils and this was an obvious move. It means whilst people are at the council offices to pay bills or make inquiries, they can also come and talk to a police member of staff about any issues in their area, such as anti-social behaviour or crime, and the staff member may also be able to help with any other enquires they may have.

“At present if anyone wants to speak to a member of staff, they have to phone in or visit the police station, which is not convenient for everyone. The development on Western Way is very busy, with the council facilities as well as the sports centre, schools and the new superstore nearby. I hope that people who live and work in the west of the town will take the opportunity to visit the staff at the new desk and let us know of any issues or concerns they may have.”

Cllr Sara Mildmay-White, Cabinet member for Community Safety at St Edmundsbury Borough Council adds, “The council and police work closely on community safety and in particular on tackling the many aspects of anti-social behaviour. West Suffolk House is a hub for much of this work and I am very pleased that residents will be able to drop in and speak about a problem in person."

Insp Galley continues, “I would like to stress that when the police desk is closed, council staff will not be able to deal with any policing inquiries so please do not visit the desk out of hours. It is also possible that people visiting the desk when it is manned will be directed to the police station. The desk’s primary purpose is to provide a further community engagement opportunity for people who live in the west of Bury or use the facilities there.”

All normal business involving police officers will continue to be dealt with at the police station on Raingate Street. Members of the public are reminded that if a crime is in progress, dial 999.