A POLICE office has opened in Hockley to help local bobbies get out on the beat.

Officers will use the building opposite Somerfield, in Spa Road, as a place to set off on regular circuits of the town.

It will not have a front desk for members of the public to report incidents to the police.

However, it will make it easier for the Hockley Neighbourhood Policing team to hold private meetings and give it a convenient base in the town it serves.

The premises is owned by local company Wells Legal Solicitors and Wells Legal Homes, which has handed the police a set of keys.

The aim is to boost the police’s presence in the town and have a positive knock-on effect for businesses and residents.

Senior partner at the firm, Andrew Wells, said: “We welcome this strategy along side our other community initiatives, such as school visits, free seminars and legal surgeries.

“Other local residents and traders should also benefit from the security which comes from an enhanced police presence.”

Jeff Stanton, chairman of Hockley Chamber of Commerce, said: “There’s no down-side to it at all.

“It’s a win-win situation, so it’s perfect.”