PEOPLE in Camborne joined together to celebrate the opening of the town’s newly refurbished Police Enquiry Office (PEO).

Alison Hernandez, police and crime commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, was joined by chief superintendent Ben Deer and a host of local representatives for the official opening, which took place on Friday, July 11.

The PEO is part of a wider, £7.3-million refurbishment project at Camborne Police Station, located on South Terrace. It is open to members of the public from Monday to Saturday, 8am to 6pm.

PEOs allow members of the public to have access to walk-in services where they can speak to trained staff who can help with crime reporting, crime prevention advice and help with accessing victim services.

The overall refurbishment project at Camborne Police Station is hoped to be finished around November this year. It has involved a complete overhaul of the building, including the removal of asbestos, a new heating system, complete rewiring, new windows and fascia’s, as well as new facilities such as a lift and electric vehicle charging stations.

Ms Hernandez said: “It’s been fantastic to celebrate the opening of this newly refurbished facility with members of the Camborne community and officers who will use it on a daily basis.

“This multi-million pound investment has created a much improved place of safety for the public to access help and advice – as well as an alternative method of contact to phone and email.

“Connecting communities to the police force which serves them has been the underlying principle of my Police and Crime Plans, and the opening of dozens of police enquiry offices is one example of how I have delivered on that principle.

“Working with local partners on this project has been one of the highlights of my career, and it has been hugely grateful to see the impact this investment has made in our communities, whose contribution via taxation has made it all possible.”

Superintendent Ian Thompson, who heads up policing teams across West Cornwall, said: “The refurbishment has made such a difference, creating a welcoming space for members of the public.

“When people visit a police station, it’s often because they need advice, they have been a victim of crime or would like to report something to us.

“We’re aware that this can sometimes cause people worry or anxiety, so our hope is that by creating a modern space which offers a calming environment for anyone who visits, it can help to make their experience as comfortable as it can be.”

Police inspector Lou Brown, who heads up neighbourhood teams in Camborne said: “We’ve received positive feedback from members of the public who have visited already. It’s been great to hear how it’s already having an impact.

“We’re very pleased to open the new and improved space. The PEO has been at the heart of our communities for many years so it’s a great for local people.”

Commissioner Hernandez added that Camborne would also be the focus of further future investment through the Street Focus policing scheme.