Closure of Forest Row police box marks end of an era
A tiny building that has acted as the crime-investigation hub for a Sussex village for more than 30 years has closed its doors for the final time.
The Sussex police box, based in Forest Row, was a port of call for villagers needing police help.
The tiny office, which the public could visit by appointment, is a casualty of police financial cutbacks.
Police staff now have a base in parish council offices at Forest Row community centre, which will be open on weekdays.
Sussex police, along with forces throughout the country, have drawn up plans for reducing costs while maintaining services.
A key element is to vacate some of their buildings around the county and relocate to premises they can share with other agencies, such as local authorities.
At Forest Row the police will no longer have to pay rent on the police box, and instead can rely on council staff to put the public in touch with relevant officers at the new, more prominent site.
Ch Insp Dick Coates, Wealden district commander, said: "It has always been imperative that the police maintain a presence in the village, and with the full support and help of the council this has been achieved."