THE enquiry office at Chard Police Station will close temporarily as the force prepares the refurbishment works due to start at the end of the month.

Avon and Somerset Police are now reminding residents that while the Chard office is closed, the nearest alternatives are Yeovil and Taunton.

In April, plans for a £907,000 revamp to the station were approved by Somerset Council.

A police spokesperson said: “The enquiry office at Chard will now be temporarily closed as we prepare for the refurbishment of the station to start at the end of the month.

“The refurbishment will include new windows, doors and roofing, along with solar panels, an air source heat pump and two EV charging stations.

“During this time, the closest alternative enquiry offices will be at Yeovil or Taunton.

“To check the addresses and opening hours of these stations, please visit https://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/.../police-stations/

“To contact the Chard Neighbourhood Policing Team, please visit https://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/your-area/chard-town/.”

The station is based on one of Chard’s main roads, not far from the Millfield industrial estate and the town’s leisure centre.

Under the proposals, the station will be fitted with solar panels and air source heat pumps to reduce its energy bills, with new fencing and gates being installed for improved security.

New windows will also be installed and repairs made to the existing roof to minimise heat loss.

The interior layout will be reconfigured to include a new locker room, accessible toilets, breastfeeding facilities and a faith room (where officers of different religious beliefs can pray or meditate).

Update

A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police added: "This is on track to start at the end of May and is estimated to be completed before the end of the year.

"During this time the station will be temporarily closed, however our Neighbourhood Policing Team will still be based in the town as local business, Numatic are kindly providing temporary premises free of charge for them, while our response officers will be based out of Crewkerne."