New police response hub aims to make 'rural areas safer, more resilient, and more connected'

Pictured, left to right: Inspector Joe Rutherford, PC Lora Chatwin and PC Nicola Hepworth outside the police office on Sanderson Arcade in Morpeth.
Author: Ally McGilvrayPublished 3rd Jun 2024

A new response hub is now open as part of a widespread overhaul of rural policing in Northumberland.

Morpeth will serve as one of four rural hubs alongside Alnwick, Berwick, and Hexham - with each area directly overseen by an Inspector.

It's hoped the move, which comes as part of the long-standing Rural Review Project, will help speed up response times.

Superintendent Kevin Waring said: “We’re thrilled to announce the opening of a new response hub in Morpeth.

“This initiative marks a significant step forward in providing an outstanding service to our rural communities and being there when they need us most. 

“By establishing a response hub in Morpeth, we’re not just improving response times, we’re building stronger connections with the people we serve.”

READ MORE: Two dead following head-on smash on A1 south of Berwick

The police office on Sanderson Arcade in Morpeth will now house dedicated response officers alongside the neighbourhood policing team.

It's claimed the new model will deliver a more bespoke policing service to local communities, "as well as improving collaboration between teams both externally and internally".

Superintendent Waring added: “We understand the unique challenges that come with rural policing, and with this new hub, we are better equipped to meet those challenges head-on.  

“Together, we're making our rural areas safer, more resilient, and more connected." 

For more stories from the Scottish Borders and North Northumberland, bookmark our new home page - https://planetradio.co.uk/greatest-hits/borders/news/

Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Greatest Hits Radio app.