Northallerton will never get its own police cells again, councillors have been told, but there are moves to help reduce the amount of time spent transferring people who have been arrested.

Amid concerns over the amount of time police officers spend out of the area if they had to transport people taken into custody to the nearest cells in Harrogate, a review had been carried out.

Councillor Paul Atkin told members of Northallerton Town Council this week after a meeting with Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Zoe Metcalfe and police leaders, it was clear the town would not be getting its own police cells.

Previous cells in the old police station in the High Street were closed when the listed building was sold and became a hotel following the force’s move into new headquarters at Crosby Road.

Cllr Atkin said there were now arrangements for police officers to meet halfway between Harrogate and Northallerton to exchange prisoners.

Police representative Sgt Chris Hughes said this sometimes worked well but there were still busy times when it was not straightforward such as 10pm on a Friday evening. He said inquiries were ongoing into recent incidents of anti social behaviour, with two young people from Doncaster arrested over fire damage at Crew Clothing and the British Heart Foundation in Northallerton’s High Street.

Darlington and Stockton Times:

Sgt Hughes said newly recruited police officers are coming through the system but it took three years to train them up, however January is the crunch time when they hope to see more officers on the front line in communities.

He congratulated the town council on the success of the bonfire night and Christmas Sunday events which he said had gone extremely well. Sgt Hughes said police are aiming to work together with other agencies to look at diversionary activities for young people.

The town council considered the budget for 2023/24 with an increase in its precept to £371,750, which would mean an increase for a Band D property in the Northallerton parish of £14.81 a year, or 28 pence a week. Members were told they were trying to keep down costs as much as possible, while trying to ensure that they can carry on with plans for new public toilets which are due to be built in part of the Grade II listed town hall building.

The council said it has also identified a range of savings such as more sustainable planting regimes, but also plans to increase its income from sponsorship of green spaces and rental income from use of the Town Hall.

It is aiming to maintain the bonfire and fireworks, Remembrance and Christmas events in the town.

Mayor councillor Philip Eames said: “We really want to continue with plans to make Northallerton a better place to live and visit, but with the economy as it is it is very difficult time time for people.”