POLICE in Salcombe are working from the harbour office following the closure of the town's police station.

Officers of the Devon and Cornwall Constabulary approached South Hams Council several months ago in a bid to cut costs by sharing the office on the quay at Whitestrand – next to one of the town's main car parks.

A police spokesman said: 'We are rationalising our buildings and estates programme and where possible are looking to co-locate with other service providers.

'With regards to Salcombe police station, the building has been unoccupied for some time with the Neighbourhood beat manager and PCSO working from Kingsbridge. However, the majority of their shift is allocated to high visibility patrol in and around Salcombe and local neighbourhoods.

'A trial is currently taking place with the NBM and PCSO being co-located in an office with the harbour master and his team.

'The location is very central and allows for good public accessibility while also offering the benefit of closer joint working regarding marine crime.

'If the pilot proves successful it will become a permanent arrangement with the police station being placed on the open market for sale.'

Harbourmaster Ian Gibson said: 'We have agreed in outline to a month's trial during February.

'If this works well and there are no insurmountable problems on both sides, we will make the arrangement permanent.

'There is more to be gained from this relationship than money.'

Insp Andrew Tomlinson said: 'This is an excellent opportunity for us. With our current constrained budgets any improvement in financial efficiency directly helps to protect front line services.

'In this case we will also be operating from a better location, central to the main focus of activity in the town.'

Sgt Dave Green said: 'The force has explained that where it is disposing of these assets they will continue to maintain a presence, which is very important.

'Although this decision has been made for financial reasons, some good has come from it.

'Located in the middle of the town, we are more accessible to members of the public.

'We believe that this is really positive and we are trialling it for February to see if it works.

Cllr John Carter, chairman of Salcombe Harbour Board, said: 'This is a real groundbreaking move – and probably the first in the country – a great example of shared working.

'The police station was more remote from the town centre.

This concentrates the services on the waterfront and has the benefit of not losing our police presence. It will be a good point of contact for marine crime. This is a win-win for us and hopefully more of a deterrent to marine criminals.