PLANS have been announced to re-develop Morpeth Police Station so it can meet modern policing needs.
But two of the four options put forward would see the new building being constructed at the front end of land belonging to neighbouring Morpeth First School.
And Chair of the school’s governing body Joan Tebbutt has warned that any firm proposal mu
st not have a negative effect on the pupils.
“My absolute priority is the education of the pupils and I would expect it to be the priority of the County Council,” she said.
“Our curriculum includes outdoor work and play and we would not want this to be damaged in any way by the plans, so any loss of this space would be unacceptable.
“I encourage parents and members of the community to go along and see the plans, then have their say on them.”
Northumbria Police and the Northumbria Police Authority are also urging residents to look at each option in detail and give their views when they go on display on Friday in Morpeth Town Hall.
Most of the current buildings at the station in Castle Square, which are on the site of the former Morpeth Jail, date back to Victorian times.
Chief Superintendent Steve Storey, Northumberland area commander, said: “Modern working practices need an accessible, flexible working environment so our officers and staff who make up the Morpeth sector of the area command can meet the needs of the Morpeth community through effective and efficient neighbourhood policing.
“A new police station which remains right in the heart of Morpeth town centre is the obvious solution.”
The options are as follows.
Option 1: Demolish all of the existing police buildings on site. Build a new police station utilising the front of the school site. Agree with Northumberland County Council what alternative school accommodation needs to be provided. Dispose of the surplus land for alternative use
Option 2: Demolish all of the existing police buildings on site. Build a new replacement three-storey police station on the existing position. Dispose of the surplus land.
Option 3: Demolish all ancilliary buildings to the rear of the site. Retain existing police station with modernisation and extension. Dispose of surplus land to the rear of the site
Option 4: Build replacement police station at the front of the school site.
