EVESHAM's new £670,000 police station is proof of substantial investment in future policing, according to West Mercia chief constable Paul West.

Mr West, who has criticised plans to combine West Mercia and other regional forces in a new West Midlands "superforce", was speaking at the official opening of the new station in Abbey Road last week.

Such ongoing initiatives across the force area, which covers Herefordshire, Shropshire and Worcestershire, are aimed at continually improving operational effectiveness and public visibility and accessibility, he said.

"As a Constabulary we're always striving for excellence and performance improvements and to be able to offer a modern and professional approach to policing," he said.

"Improvements to our facilities, such as this, provide the best possible amenities to do the job and are vital in promoting the 21st century face of West Mercia Constabulary. This new building provides improved conditions for an increased number of officers."

Mr West said the new station was an integral part of the one-stop-shop approach to public services that sees the former station refurbished to house the extended Evesham Community Contact Centre.

The station was officially opened by the Mayor of Evesham, Cllr Frances Smith, who said: "This wonderful new facility provides a modern, professional and pleasant environment for Evesham staff to work in - and for all those residents of Evesham who will use the facilities."

She added that it also went some way towards allaying the fears of those who felt the town was losing its police force.

Chief Superintendent Simon Adams, South Worcestershire divisional commander, said: "The new station is the operational base for a stand-alone, seven-day-a-week police service for Evesham and its surrounding districts.

"Simultaneously, it is also part of a successful partnership that provides a one-stop-shop for both police and council services.

"In either role it accurately reflects the requirements of the town - and surrounding hinterland - and more than adequately meets all those needs."

The ceremony was also attended by the chairman of the West Mercia Police Authority, Paul Dennen, who said: "West Mercia Constabulary has, of course, recently been named as the top-performing force in England and Wales.

"This is an opportunity for me to publicly thank Paul West, chief constable, for his excellent leadership - and to thank officers and staff at all levels for achieving this excellent and thoroughly well-deserved recognition."