A MAJOR refurbishment of the police station in Peterlee starts next week.

The development starting on Tuesday is part of an ongoing £465,000 initiative to improve the facilities and public access to a dozen stations in the force area.

The front office at Peterlee will be closed for around four weeks to enable the refurbishment to take place. Throughout its duration there will be no public access although an external telephone link will be set up to allow people to receive help and advice. If members of the public wish to visit a police station personally the nearest operating front office will be the one in Seaham.

While the work is carried out the Seaham office will be open its usual hours (8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday) and also between from 9.30am to 4.30pm on Saturdays and Sundays, from May 9 to May 31.

The work being undertaken includes measures to install a new front counter and glass screen, improvements to the seating and notice boards as well as the introduction of a pastel colour scheme.

North Area commander, Chief Supt Trevor Watson said: "This is a project that will improve our public facilities and ensure the public area is more user-friendly."

The force has consulted with the Independent Advisory Group on disabilities and taken on board its views in drawing up the development plans.