Warwickshire News Mine

The refurbishment of ‘Warwickshire Direct – Kenilworth’ and the library will provide a more relaxed and informal layout, an improved seating and newspaper area, more space for books to be displayed, and the installation of new state-of-the-art self service machines, which will give customers the opportunity to borrow, return and renew books themselves.

From February, Warwickshire Police force will be teaming up with Warwickshire County Council and Warwick District Council to provide front desk police services from ‘Warwickshire Direct – Kenilworth’ and Library at Smalley Place.

The services are currently available from the front desk enquiry office at Kenilworth police station, situated next door.

Tracey Baker, Divisional Library Manager for Warwickshire County Council said: ”We are very excited about the proposed new look for ‘Warwickshire Direct – Kenilworth’ and Library. We hope that everyone will appreciate that we need to close for this short period to enable all this to happen and apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

“Customers can borrow or return library items at any Warwickshire library and can renew items by phone using the 24/7 renewals line on 01926 499273 or do this online 24 hours a day at http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/libraries. “

Speaking about police services moving into the ‘Warwickshire Direct – Kenilworth’ facility, Supt Adrian McGee, Head of Customer Contact at Warwickshire Police, said:

“Warwickshire Police is currently reviewing all policing services and the facilities required to support them. This includes enquiry offices at police stations.
“These changes enable us to make better use of our resources and thus provide a more effective and efficient service to the public and we welcome this opportunity to team up with Warwickshire County Council and Warwick District Council to offer this kind of service in Kenilworth and feel sure that the local community will benefit.
“The public are reminded that all members of the force remain committed to protecting communities from harm and will not be distracted from this need by the process of change. We will continue to reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured in Warwickshire, both on the roads or as a result of crime, and reduce burglary of homes and vehicle crime.
“Warwickshire Police is committed to dealing with every enquiry by delivering the right service, first time and providing local people better access to facilities when they need them most.
"The police station in Kenilworth will still be an operational base and there will be no reduction in policing in the town as a result of these changes."

Susie Drummond, Head of Customer and Information Services at Warwick District Council, said: “We already deliver a wide variety of services to customers in Kenilworth with our partners in Libraries and Customer Services. The integration of police services has proved popular with customers in Warwick, and we look forward to delivering the service in Kenilworth. The changes to the building will make sure that we continue to provide a welcoming and helpful service to the community in Kenilworth.”

Link to WCC