A new police office will be opening its doors today at a new location in the district council’s offices in the heart of the city.

Police officers and community support officers have moved into a new office space in the council’s headquarters at the Civic Centre in St Peter’s Street today (Wednesday, April 15).

St Albans chief inspector, Ken Townsend, said: “St Albans Police Station was originally built back in 1964 and is no longer fit for purpose. We are very pleased to be re-locating to the council offices.

“Policing from the new station will remain at the highest possible standard and the new location will not make any difference to the service the public receive from the police.

“Your police officers and PCSOs will continue to spend the majority of their time out and about on the streets of St Albans.

“The station will be more energy efficient, save money and further improve the already strong relationship that we have with community safety partners.”

A surgery will also be held every Wednesday between 10am and 12pm for people to discuss any issues they have with the Safer Neighbourhood Team.

A free telephone within the police advice and information point also directly contacts Herts Police and out of hours, members of the public can use a yellow free wall phone mounted on the wall outside.

Colm O’Callaghan, deputy chief executive of finance at the district council, said: “We welcome St Albans policing team to the Civic Centre. They join us and a number of partners providing information and advice services from this building.

“The move ensures that Herts Police retains a presence right in the city centre.”

The first police station to co-locate with a council was in Rickmansworth in 2011.

Local police stations with a fully-staffed front desk include Watford, Hatfield, Stevenage and Hoddesdon, that are all open daily from 8am to 10pm and Sunday between 10am and 8pm.