POLICE have reported it is "business as usual" following a busy weekend switch to a new divisional base.

Durham Constabulary's new Peterlee station provides a plush home for the force's Easington area headquarters.

Along with the new magistrates' court next door - directly linked to the police station - it came into use on Monday.

Throughout the weekend the transition has taken place transferring equipment and furniture from the old town centre premises to the purpose-built station in St Aidan's Way, behind Peterlee Leisure Centre.

Operational staff moved out of the old building, in Yoden Way, on Sunday.

The station is home for 164 officers and 38 support staff.

It cost £3.2m to build, but at "minimal cost" to the force as it forms part of the massive redevelopment of the town centre.

Chief Inspector Carole Thompson said that, apart from a few teething problems, the transfer was completed smoothly.

"Our work has not been affected operationally, but obviously there has been disruption to internal administration.

"We had outgrown the old station, particularly with advances in new technology, and the increase in staff has affected our working circumstances.

"The working conditions are much improved at the new station and there are better facilities for the public."

Chief Insp Thompson said the new premises, covered by closed-circuit television, include a custody suite, with eight male cells and two female cells, plus four detention suites to hold younger prisoners, and a confidential interview room.

There is improved car parking for staff cars and operational police vehicles, with a limited number of spaces for visitors.

One thing which has not changed at the station is the phone number, which remains 0191-586 2621.