THE NEW help desk and reception at Macclesfield Police Station is now up and running.
Visitors to the station now walk through automatic doors into a room with blue carpet and comfortable seating.
A double-bay inquiry desk speeds up business and one of the bays is set at a low level, to cater for people in wheelchairs.
Computers enable the help desk staff to deal with most simple inquiries, lost property and document production, while they are still face-to-face with the visitor.
When they are taking details of traffic collisions or minor crime, three private interview rooms are available a few yards away.
The reception area is part of the new extension at the front of the police station.
Kristy Denson, a help desk officer, said: "Some people who've been here before are so surprised by the change they're almost speechless.
"Nearly everyone comments on the change. They appreciate the welcoming feel to it. It puts them at ease and that helps when they have things to discuss with us."
Kristy joined the help desk team when it was set up more than a year ago.
Until now, she had worked in a cramped and noisy space at the rear of the station, which served as a temporary main entrance while the extension was being built.
Before the extension work began, the old station entrance was a spartan room with bare walls and a cupboard-like desk area for the reception staff.
"Visitors and staff are finding this a massive improvement," said Kristy.
"Now we are at the front of the building again we are much nearer the town centre, and we expect a lot more people will be coming in.
"For instance, someone is far more likely to bring in some property they've found now that they don't have to face the trek round to the back of the station."
Jane Farnworth, the help desk supervisor said, "The new area is more in keeping with what people expect nowadays. It will improve the service we can offer, and that's what matters."
