Surrey Police to relocate from Reigate Police Station after RAAC found

Surrey Police say they "began proactively assessing buildings for the presence of RAAC." after it hit the headlines last month,

RAAC has been found at the station.
Author: Alex DukePublished 19th Oct 2023

Surrey Police have announced that they're having to relocate from one of their police stations because of RAAC.

Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete has been discovered at Reigate Police Station.

Surrey Police say they "began proactively assessing buildings for the presence of RAAC." after it hit the headlines last month,

"Plans are already in place to ensure the policing service they receive will not be affected by the situation at Reigate Police Station"

Thorough assessments conducted by structural engineers confirmed that RAAC was present in the construction of the station.

It was concluded that the majority of the RAAC was in good condition and did not present any immediate risk to users but one section on the southside of the building was showing signs of distress.

Following advice from the structural engineer, the Force immediately relocated the staff and officers who used this part of the building within the other areas of the police station, and started to install Acrow-prop supports. This area has been signed off for re-occupation by the structural engineers and the Force have instructed the engineers to undertake weekly checks of the rest of the site. This work enables our Neighbourhood Policing team to remain operational from Reigate Police Station until a longer-term solution can be found.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       Police and Crime commissioner Lisa Townsend has said she wants to "reassure our local communities across East Surrey that plans are already in place to ensure the policing service they receive will not be affected by the situation at Reigate Police Station".                                                                                 Whilst Temporary Assistant Chief Constable for local policing, Alison Barlow, said the health and safety of staff, officers, volunteers and members of the public is of "paramount importance". 

Changes to services

Surrey Police have announced some changes to services in the area following the closure.

The public facing front counter service will move to Caterham Police Station from the 30th of October, with opening hours remaining the same, 08:00 - 22:00 seven days a week excluding Christmas Day. 

Reigate Police Station also currently monitors the public spaces CCTV camera for Mole Valley District Council. They will no longer be able to continue this service but will work with local authority partners to explore potential technical solutions.

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