A state-of-the-art eco-friendly police station has been officially opened today. Aylsham police station, located on Richard Oakes Road, is built with many environmental credentials including an unusual sedum moss roof which helps insulate the building in the winter.

A state-of-the-art eco-friendly police station has been officially opened today.

Aylsham police station, located on Richard Oakes Road, is built with many environmental credentials including an unusual sedum moss roof which helps insulate the building in the winter.

The station, an operational deployment base for local officers, was opened for business in February 2008 after an eight month building project at an overall cost of £755,000.

Along with the moss roof, which also acts to keep the building cool in the summer, the building also has other green features including a solar ventilator, a wind turbine and sun-pipes to allow natural light to most areas of the building.

It also has sensors to control the lights in the kitchen, toilets and offices so they are off when not in use and 150 tonnes of crushed recycled glass was used for the base to the car-park instead of sand.

Chief Constable Ian McPherson said: “This is a key component of our modernisation programme to gradually improve the police estate. We've constructed an up-to date and dynamic working environment for operational policing as well as creating a minimal carbon footprint.

“Our programme of modernisation is being taken forward in parallel with improvements in the way we communicate and engage with individuals

The building, which houses new public enquiry offices, locker rooms and IT facilities, was designed with better working space for both the community volunteers and police officers who use it - with more desks, telephones and other facilities.

The base also provides the East of England Ambulance Service with a response post, including a parking and change area for an ambulance and a rest room plus shared use of other facilities.

Stephen Bett, Norfolk Police Authority chairman, said: “This is an exciting development in a number of respects.

“It is essential to have a building from which to deploy our personnel. In this instance, we have something that is fit for purpose and cutting edge in terms of its “green” credentials.

“It is also a further signal of our continued investment in frontline policing resources in the community on the back of Safer Neighbourhood Teams.”

Do you have a story about green issues? Contact Evening News' environment reporter Kate Scotter on 01603 772326 or email kate.scotter@archant.co.uk.