A NEW local policing unit was opened at Buntsford Gate Business Park in Bromsgrove on Monday.

The new base, which will house Bromsgrove's south sector policing team, is a joint venture between West Mercia Police and the Bromsgrove District Housing Trust (BDHT) - with BDHT leasing space in its newly-built premises to the police.

Chief Inspector Charlie Hill said: "This is an excellent opportunity for my officers working in the south of Bromsgrove to gain ready access to their local communities.

"It will help improve our response and community contact and it consolidates our partnership with the Bromsgrove District Housing Trust, which is a key player in tackling anti-social behaviour in the area."

South Sector Sergeant Steve Tristram will head the team based in the new unit and will be joined by local beat manager PC Michelle Caldicott, CSO Pip Davis and four police officers.

The unit, which will not initially have direct access for the public, will be located in a new modern building offering both the best facilities and access.

Chf Ins Hill continued: "The unit at Buntford Gate is ideal for our needs and is extremely well-placed, being close to Charford, Stoke Heath and the Aston Fields area, yet still in easy reach of the main police station near Bromsgrove town centre.

"We are currently looking for a similar site in the north of Bromsgrove so we can roll out the move towards more local policing in that area too, improving police visibility and offering increased reassurance to those working or living in the neighbourhood.

"We see this as an important step in the future policing of Bromsgrove and would like to thank our partners at the Bromsgrove District Housing Trust for their support in bringing this project to fruition."