POLICE officers have a new office in a York village where they can base themselves before going out on patrol.

The office, which is not open to the public, is based in the Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust at The Garth, in White Rose Avenue, New Earswick.

It has facilities like a toilet and kettle, allowing officers and community support officers the chance to have a break without having to return to Fulford Road police station at the opposite sideof the city.

The office was opened by the Chief Constable of North Yorkshire, Grahame Maxwell, and came about through a partnership with the Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust (JRHT).

Mr Maxwell said: “This is a fantastic facility based in the heart of the community and we are delighted to have been offered such a good location. This will enable us to deliver our Safer Neighbourhoods policing so that residents can feel safe and have confidence in our service.

“The Safer Neighbourhoods team will now be more visible, accessible and provide a reassuring presence.

“Local people will be able to have a say on the priorities addressed by the team and this will help us focus on exactly what is required for the community.”

The building now houses the New Earswick, Heworth and Huntington Safer Neighbourhoods team and will mean officers can spend more time on the beat in the neighbourhoods themselves.

Jacquie Dale, the director of housing and community services at Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust, said: “The JRHT have had a long and positive partnership with North Yorkshire Police and we are very pleased to be able to offer the Safer Neighbourhoods team a community base for the local area at The Garth.”

Jane Kenyon, chairman of North Yorkshire Police Authority, said: “This is a wonderful service and location for the community and fulfils our promise to bring local policing and communities closer together.”