Police team move into new office at community centre

The Rose Hill, Iffley and Littlemore Neighbourhood Policing Team has moved from their current office in The Oval into the specially built facility in the new centre.

The move, which took place at the end of last week is aimed to make the community centre a 'complete hub for residents', according to Oxford City Council.

It is also hoped the new office will increase visibility and make it easier for members of the public to speak to officers.

The building is already home to Rose Hill and Donnington Advice Centre, Rose Hill Social Club, a community library, gym, and youth and community groups.

Inspector Chris Simpson, head of the neighbourhood policing in Oxford, said the team, made up of three constables, five PCSOs and led by Sergeant Stephen Why and Kate Parker-Towle, were 'really looking forward' to having a permanent home, in what he called Oxford's 'flagship community hub'.

He added: "Anyone using the centre, who wants to speak to the team about any local concerns, crime prevention, or policing advice in general, should feel free to come up to the office on the first floor, or just chat to the team when they’re around the centre, or making the most of the excellent café facilities."

The police team's current priority is aimed at protecting vulnerable people from being exploited by drug dealers taking over their homes.

Building community links to drive drug dealers from Rose Hill and Littlemore is believed to help reduce other crimes, the neighbourhood’s police team told the Mail.

Recent drugs raids at properties in two streets on the estates have seen a reduction in other crimes such as anti-social behaviour as part of a new approach.

Officers urged members of the community to continue to supply information in order to build ‘resilience’ against the problem.

After six decades of the old community centre a new £4.7m building was opened in Ashhurst Way in January last year.

Rose Hill Community Centre was the first built by Oxford City Council in 25 years and was the first in a vision to improve other community facilities across Oxford.

The city council is soon to complete a £4.5m refurbishment of Oxford’s sports pavilions and next year will start work on a £500,000 revamp of Bullingdon Community Centre.

Plans for multi-million pound investments in East Oxford Community Centre, Blackbird Leys Community Centre and Barton Neighbourhood Centre are also forecast in the coming years.

Ed Turner, deputy leader of the city council and ward councillor for Rose Hill, said: "It is very good news that Thames Valley Police is taking a base in our new community centre.

"Our local police team is an important part of the community, and having a local base helps them use their time most effectively, and also increases their visibility."