Marston and Northway police office update

The lease on the Northway Police Community Support Office was due to end in May 2019 and now an agreement has been formalised for it to remain open beyond this date. The Council has worked with Thames Valley Police to agree mutually beneficial terms for the lease on the Westlands Drive premises that recognise the value of a continued police presence in the area.

A decision to continue using the current office in the longer term will depend on the outcome of the planned estate review, which is part of an ongoing programme of reviewing and identifying properties for disposal which has been in place since 2010. The aim of this is to have a leaner, fit for purpose, lower cost and lower carbon footprint estate with greater emphasis on agile working and less reliance on fixed bricks and mortar.

Oxford LPA Commander, Superintendent Joe Kidman said: “Thames Valley Police is always keen to work with partners to explore opportunities for co-location, other cost reductions or service delivery initiative. We have now come to a mutual agreement with Oxford City Council to enable the current office remains open beyond May.

“We are always looking to work closely with partners to find solutions to help better protect the communities we serve.”

Councillor Nigel Chapman, Board Member for Customer Focused Services said: “As one of the ward councillors who campaigned to prevent the closure of Marston and Northway Neighbourhood Police Office, I’m delighted that we have succeeded.

“I’m grateful both to the City Council as the landlords and to Thames Valley Police for their flexibility in finding an affordable solution. I know residents value the local police presence and will be very pleased to see it continue.”