Dean Russell MP attended the official opening of the new, modern Watford Police Station on Friday morning. The new station is located in a modern building on George Street. Dean was pleased to talk to Chris Philp MP, Minister for Crime, Policing, about the great work which is undertaken every week by the local policing team on behalf of Watford constituents.
Dean played a key role in securing the investment needed for the new Police Station, and campaigned hard to ensure it was fully funded and delivered as quickly as possible. He meets regularly with the local police team and the Hertfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner David Lloyd to discuss local concerns.
The new Watford Police Station, now centrally located, will be a key resource for residents to engage with their local policing team. The location will help with improved response times, making it a convenient location for police officers to attend calls promptly.
Following the opening, Dean said, ‘Following a number of years of campaigning and supporting the work of the local police and Police & Crime Commissioner, David Lloyd, I was pleased to see the new police station for Watford formally opened today. A special thanks to the Minister for Crime, Policing and Fire, Rt Hon Chris Philp MP for attending and taking part in discussions with our brave policing team as part of the tour.
This key location, close to the High Street, will not only provide residents with a central space to talk with the police but will also allow for easy foot patrols, while being close to the ring road, enabling a rapid vehicle response. This is a really important delivery for our town and is part of a wider programme of work for community policing'.
Watford Chief Inspector Andy Wiseman said: ‘It gives me great pride to see our new police station officially opened today, marking the start of the next chapter in Watford’s policing history.
We will always have fond memories of our 83 years in Shady Lane, but in recent times it became apparent that the building was no longer fit for purpose.
Our move to George Street – which is closer to the town centre – means our teams now have a modern and economical base to work from, and most importantly it ensures that we continue to provide a continuity of service to Watford’s residents, businesses and visitors’.
Police and Crime Commissioner Mr Lloyd said: ‘The opening of this new station is a positive step for those living and working in Watford. It also ensures officers and staff will benefit from having modern fit-for-purpose facilities.
It was crucial for public confidence and effective policing of the area to find a suitable property which maintains a police station in the town centre.
The location means it is close to the High Street ensuring officer foot patrols can be conducted easily, while it is also close to the ring road enabling a rapid vehicle response’.
Chief Constable Charlie Hall said: ‘Our move to George Street is the latest chapter in the story of Watford’s policing history, and it’s wonderful to see how the redevelopment work has given the building a new lease of life.
I’d like to publicly thank all those involved in seamlessly organising and executing the transfer here from Shady Lane, as moving 170 officers and staff is no mean feat.
There has been a police station in Watford since 1841, and now this project is complete, we’ll be here to serve the community alongside our partners for many more years to come’.
The official visit by Rt Hon Chris Philp MP demonstrates the government's commitment to ensuring the safety of local communities and their further investment in Watford.
