'Underused and too large' Pateley Bridge police station is to close

The building on King Street will close on February 22, two months after the force agreed that it would be sold with a market value of around £142,000.

The station is said to be 'too big' for current operational requirements.

It has now been announced that officers and staff will move into the Harrogate Council offices across the road from their old base.

The 'front counter' service will remain at the Nidderdale Plus hub in Pateley Bridge town centre.

The closure is part of a cost-cutting plan that has been also been implemented in towns including Thirsk, Selby, Ripon, Bedale and Masham and is expected to save £19,000 a year.

The building is described as 'large, underused and expensive to run' now that mobile technology means officers can complete administrative tasks remotely without needing to be behind a desk.

Inspector Alex Langley of the Harrogate Outer Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “We are delighted to be moving into our new base at Pateley Bridge alongside our Harrogate Council colleagues.

“It is just across the road from the old Pateley Bridge police station, so it will be very easy for residents to adjust to the change in location.

“Importantly, we are also continuing to run our front counter services at the Nidderdale Plus office as before.

“Our new facilities ensure an effective, efficient and sustainable neighbourhood policing service is provided to the people of Pateley Bridge for many years to come.”