12:30pm Monday 8th February 2010
By Ben Perrin
A NEW police enquiry desk is being officially opened today aimed at providing people with additional access to services.
Fully trained police enquiry officers will run the desk and are able to direct people to local services, take reports of crimes and road traffic collisions and issue police application forms.
They are also able to make appointments for visitors to speak to their neighbourhood officers, check vehicle documents, and receive and record lost and found property.
The public point is at Swindon Council’s One Stop Shop at Wat Tyler House, on Beckhampton Street, and is open on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8am to 6pm, on Thursdays from 8am to 8pm and Saturdays from 9am to 1pm.
Swindon divisional commander Paul Howlett said: “We decided to open the police enquiry desk at Swindon Council's One Stop Shop to give people living and working in and around the town centre increased access to Wiltshire Police services.
“It will also be beneficial for people who find it difficult or inconvenient to visit our enquiry office at Gablecross police station.
“Our staff are able to offer a number of policing services and can speak face to face with members of the public about any concerns or queries they have.
“Wiltshire Police and Swindon Council work together on a number of initiatives in a bid to improve the lives of residents.”
Coun Fionuala Foley, the deputy leader of the council, said: “I’m very pleased that the desk is now open for business, because the public will now have access to police services in a convenient town centre location.
“It adds to the range of information and help available under one roof at the council’s One Stop Shop.
“This is why partnership working between different organisations is so important, because it delivers better services for everyone.”
The One Stop Shop deals with enquiries and gives advice on a wide range of issues including housing and homelessness, benefits, council tax, parking penalties and concessionary travel. Usually between 15,000 and 17,000 people visit in a month.
A full list of services available to the public at the enquiry desk is on display there and information about the desk is available on the Wiltshire Police website. Visit www.wiltshire.police.uk for more details.
© Copyright 2001-2012 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/trade_directory/