A new state-of-the-art police base was officially opened by the mayor of Kingston on Wednesday.

The office, based in Millbank Hose, Surbiton, will house Alexandra, Berrylands and Tolworth/Hook safer neighbourhood teams and its front counter will replace the current one at Surbiton police station.

Borough commander Martin Greenslade helped give tours around the new base, which will help teams integrate fully into the community.

It has disabled access, hi-tech police computer equipment, racks for officers’ bicycles and panic buttons.

He joked the new unisex changing facilities in the locker room, equipped with iron and hairdryer, would take some getting used to.

The chief superintendent said: “I’m delighted to be here in such a modern and pleasant space. I’m afraid the Met Police has a history of occupying buildings that are well past their sell by date.

“I walked around the old Surbiton police station and I’ve never seen such a grotty facility in my life and I’m surprised our team survived in it as long as it did.”

He praised the work of PCSOs and safer neighbourhood teams and said the results spoke for themselves.

Mayor of Kingston Councillor Ian McDonald also said a few words to guests.

He said: “There is so much happening with modern policing and I think it is to our benefit. I really believe investment in modern facilities for modern policing is something we really need to focus on. A decent working environment is very important.”

The focus is now on securing another base in Chessington.

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