Mims Davies MP joins Chequer Mead Police Hub with Police and Crime Commissioner

Mims visited the Chequer Mead Police Hub in East Grinstead alongside Katy Bourne PCC, the East Grinstead Town Council Clerk, and Dave Derrick and Doug, East Grinstead Police.

Mims raised her concern that no one comes to the desk because the limited hours, poor signate and lack of visibility.

Police spent £180k on establishing this site at Chequer Mead, and East Grinstead Town Council also spent similar to relocate police from the old station building.

The front desk should be open Monday - Friday 10:00 - 14:00. Currently it is scheduled for Tuesday and Thursday due to the lack of staff. However, police are at the station from 7:00 am to 11:00 pm, even if the front desk is not open and it has security glass, panic buttons and a secure lockable door if needed and the police have confirmed they are confident they could reach any incident within minutes.

The front desk is operated by the facilities staff as opposed to the Neighbourhood Police Team who operate out of the building, or PCSO’s. Katy Bourne OBE has said she would pick this up and raise and agreed the suite must be made to work before considering a new police hub in the town centre.

Mims Davies MP said:

“It was really useful visiting the Chequer Mead Police Hub in East Grinstead recently alongside our Police and Crime Commissioner, Katy Bourne.

A lot of people have shared with me their concern for lack of policing and how they weren't even aware this hub is here and so it was suggested during the meeting the site could be re-launched and an open day type event take place with better staffing, and signage in particular so residents know it is here for them if they need it.

I also shared that I'll be putting up signage in my constituency office in East Grinstead for when the hub is open to ensure more advertisement, and it was agreed town councillors will also be visiting the site on the 3rd June to find out more.

I know policing is a huge issue for residents of East Grinstead and beyond and I'd like to reassure residents that I am aware, and I am on the case of increasing police presence.

In the meantime, please do not hesitate to contact me via my contact form on my website and share your views and concerns with me.”