The new city centre base for police serving St Albans has been officially opened.

Mayor Cllr Salih Gaygusuz, Police and Crime Commissioner David Lloyd, Chief Constable Andy Bliss and Chief Inspector Ken Townsend visited the new base at St Albans District Council's offices at the Civic Centre on Thursday.

As well as providing a base for officers, the building hosts a public enquiry counter which will be open every Wednesday between 10am and 12pm for the public to discuss issues with officers from the Safer Neighbourhood Team.

The station has been operational since April, when officers moved from the building in Victoria Street - which was deemed unfit for purpose.

Commissioner Lloyd, said: “I am delighted to be a part of the official opening of the new St Albans Police Station and to continue our very positive partnership with St Albans District Council in our efforts to make St Albans District, and the whole county, an even safer place.

“Partnership working is the key to effective policing and community safety - the move to shared police and council accommodation in St Albans will further improve an already strong relationship.”

St Albans Chief Inspector Ken Townsend, said: “We’re very pleased with the transition process from the old station to the new one. Some members of the public may not be aware that we have moved as the service delivered by the Constabulary hasn’t changed,

"Police Officers and PCSOs continue to spend the majority of their time out and about dealing with criminals and anti-social behaviour."

During the ceremony on Thursday, the Mayor unveiled a signed portrait of HM The Queen displayed in the new offices.

Cllr Salih Gaygusuz, Mayor of St Albans, said: “Opening the police station in the Civic Centre is a significant move that is helping to improve the already strong relationship between the police, the local community and professional partners. It is part of the Council’s work to bring services together in the Civic Centre’s central location to improve access for residents.

"Thanks are due to the teams from the police and the council who worked so hard to make the new police station at the Civic Centre into a reality. I am very pleased to welcome the police to their new home in the heart of the city."

Members of the public who visit St Albans can use the free telephone outside the Civic Centre 24/7 or one within the Police Advice and Information Point during Council opening hours to speak to the Force Communication Room (FCR) or be put in contact with their Safer Neighbourhood Team.