A POLICE station in York has reopened its doors to the public after being shut for seven years.

The new public-facing counter opened yesterday and will enable local residents to contact their Safer Neighbourhood officers and report crime and incidents without having to travel to the main police station in Fulford.

The building in Acomb Road, which was once a fully-functioning police station with a front counter, has been used as a training centre and “drop-in” base for officers on foot patrol since 2003.

Assistant Chief Constable Tim Madgwick, who officially opened the new facility, said the improved station would help North Yorkshire Police’s ongoing strategy to put neighbourhood policing in the heart of local communities.

He said: “We are fully committed to neighbourhood policing and providing a better service to our customers.

“With the help of our volunteers, Acomb Police Station’s new front-desk will bring the community, the police and other partners closer together.

“The volunteers will staff the office which will allow our officers to be out on the streets doing their job. It is great that it is now open and accessible to the public.”

The office will initially be open for two hours per day throughout April, to allow the volunteers to be fully trained. The opening hours will then increase based on demand from the public.

Coun Andrew Waller, ward councillor for Westfield, said: “Residents have been asking ward councillors about this all the time it has been shut.

“It gives everyone the opportunity to help out and provide a service to the community. I hope we can build on the excellent partnership working that has been developing over the past few years.”

Superintendent Lisa Winward, York Safer Neighbourhood Commander, said that the new front counter would provide a great opportunity to strengthen partnerships within the community.

She said: “I am delighted that this facility is in the heart of the community and continues to build on the excellent relationships and contacts the local team have built up in this area.”

The opening hours during April are:

• Monday, 10am to noon
• Tuesday, 2pm to 4pm
• Wednesday, 6pm to 8pm
• Thursday, 6pm to 8pm
• Saturday, 10am to noon

Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer with North Yorkshire Police can phone volunteers coordinator Sharon Tyler on 0845 6060 247.