Police to set up base at Arun Civic Centre

A new partnership between the Arun District Council and Sussex Police will see an officer from the town’s police station manning a desk in the building two afternoons a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2-4pm.

The service will launch on Tuesday at the centre, in Maltravers Road. People visiting the counter will be able to carry out many of the transactions they can currently do at a main police station, in East Street, including getting advice and guidance on crime matters.

Arun District Council’s chief executive Nigel Lynn said: “We’re looking forward to welcoming our police colleagues into the Civic Centre.

“Many council services, such as licensing, housing and community safety, link with the police so having local officers in the building makes working together easier while cutting costs for council tax payers at the same time.”

Arun’s district commander, chief inspector Jane Derrick said the service would not replace the town’s existing station. She said: “It’s really important to me that we try and make ourselves as visible and accessible to as many people as possible in Arun.

“This pilot also offers us a great opportunity to work even closer with staff from Arun District Council, share community information and reach out to a wider audience.

“I am really grateful for Nigel’s support and look forward to seeing how it develops.”

If successful, the council will look to work with police to introduce the same service in Bognor Regis.