A POLICE location in Watchet has a new name – after a fresh agreement was reached for officers to use the site – which is believed to be a first in the force’s history.

Watchet Town Council and Avon and Somerset Police have reached agreement over the use of a building for the newly-named Watchet Harbour Police Post.

Aside from a security alarm, the force is given use of the building for free, with any officer or PCSO able to use the facilities and host events such as engagement events, crime prevention advice and cycle marking.

The building had formerly been called Watchet Harbour Police Station but the name has now been changed to Watchet Harbour Police Post, which is deemed more accurate and reflective of its use.

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“Officers are not ‘stationed’ at the building, instead it is very much a modern version of the historic police boxes, only larger,” a police spokesperson said.

“All police officers and PCSOs are issued with laptops and mobile phones which allow them to be agile and more visible in communities, so the building can be used if an officer is on patrol and needs a desk or indoor space to speak with a member of the public.

“The significant benefit is the officer can remain out in their community without the need to return to another location.”

Inspector Stuart King, who worked with Watchet Town Council to agree the new terms of use, said: “I am delighted we have secured a practical space officers can use in Watchet Harbour when out on patrol. I hope the community of Watchet are reassured at our continued commitment to be visible in our most rural of communities.”

The spokesperson said the Watchet Harbour Police Post is thought to be the first ever police building in Avon and Somerset Police history to have ‘harbour’ in its title.

The building is also thought to be the smallest operational ‘police post/station’, not including non-permanent structures.