News release

13 May 2008

RUNNYMEDE CIVIC CENTRE BRINGS THE COUNCIL, POLICE AND LIBRARY INTO ONE BUILDING

Roger Nield, Neighbourhood Inspector for Runnymede, said: "I am delighted to move the Neighbourhood Policing Team from Addlestone Police Station into new accommodation with our partners.

"This is a once-in-a-career opportunity to improve on an already great working partnership with Runnymede Borough Council and I am certain the public will benefit from the increased contact with Surrey Police the Civic Centre offers.

"My staff and I are enthusiastic about the opportunities our new home offers to create a better police service for the public in Runnymede.

"Our move to the exciting new Civic Centre is a fitting reward for the Safer Neighbourhood Team following the excellent twenty per cent reduction in crime and disorder brought about through partnership with the public and other agencies over the past three years.

"However, we are not complacent and having the benefits of a state of the art office will drive us to ensure even fewer residents become victims of crime and disorder in Runnymede.

"The move demonstrates that Surrey Police remains committed to working with partners and the wider community to produce solutions to neighbourhood problems."

David Dodd, Community Safety Manager for Runnymede Borough, said: "The provision of a new control complex to monitor CCTV, Careline, and emergencies has been an opportunity to leave a legacy which will be of lasting benefit to the people of Runnymede and Spelthorne.

"The state of the art technology will enable us to build on our already outstanding success rate in terms of reducing crime and disorder.

"Runnymede Borough Council has a long history of working closely with other agencies, particularly Surrey Police, and this is beginning to really pay off.

"The already established working relationship can only be enhanced by the new building which will provide many new opportunities. Local people should be reassured; those involved in crime and disorder should be concerned."

RUNNYMEDE CIVIC CENTRE BASED ADDLESTONE LIBRARY SAYS HELLO

Rose Wilson, the Area Manager for Libraries in North West Surrey, said: "Runnymede Borough Council has provided a wonderful environment for a new library and we believe library users, both old and new, will be equally impressed with the facilities at the Civic Centre."

Addlestone library managers, Kay Child and Christine Bye and their staff moved into the Civic Centre before the Council and the Police, offering a limited service to residents wanting to borrow books.

The new library will be opening on full normal hours from Tuesday 13 May, including late night opening on Tuesday nights and all day on Saturdays.