Police to fight crime in the Dales from old stable block

The force has re-developed the stable blocks on the site of the former police station, in Settle, to create a more fit-for-purpose building for its officers tackling rural crime.

Chief Constable Grahame Maxwell said: “I am extremely pleased that we have been able to open the new station in the town. I believe that is important we keep officers based in the heart of the community they serve.

“The new station is the latest part of the ongoing work to ensure that the force’s estate is fit for purpose so that we are able to provide the very best service for our communities.

“The offices are more energy efficient, meaning that the force is continuing the work to reduce its carbon footprint.” The move is part of a planned multi-million pound transformation of the cash-strapped force’s antiquated estate.

Construction of an £18m state-of-the-art station, to provide a base for around 200 police officers and staff, as well as specialist units and a 16-cell custody suite, is soon to be completed at Beckwith Knowle, Harrogate.

Jane Kenyon, chairman of the North Yorkshire Police Authority (NYPA), says similar massive overhauls of buildings are planned across the county over the next 10 years.