A BRAND new police station will finally be opened in Winyates on Tuesday more than two years after sector policing was launched in Redditch, writes Becky Procter.

About £24,000 has been spent transforming a flat next to Winyates Neighbourhood Office after successful negotiations between Redditch Council and the police.

And from next week the station, which will boast two large rooms and an interview room, will be manned by one sergeant and, eventually, 11 officers.

The sector will cover Winyates, Matchborough and Church Hill and will be the final sector station to be opened across the town.

A station covering south west Redditch has been opened in Crabbs Cross and a station covering south Redditch has been opened at the Alexandra Hospital.

The central sector, covering the town centre, will remain at the main Grove Street station.

Inspector Gareth Prosser, of Redditch police, said: "Historically, there have been problems in Winyates Centre with youths congregating.

"We aim to provide confidence for the shopkeepers and the people who use the centre."

And Insp Prosser said he hoped any problems would be curbed with a station based within the community.

He added: "There will be 11 constables and one sergeant.

"But some of the constables are new recruits and won't be with us until June or July."

Funding for the new station was split between Redditch Council and the police.