DORSET police officers have been taking the train to patrol the area after their brand new £1 million station flooded.

Officers working from the ‘community hub’ in the former Argos building in Boscombe, east Dorset, have been temporarily relocated to Christchurch Police Station after the leak caused water damage.

The building in the Crescent, which houses the Boscombe Neighbourhood Policing Team, Bournemouth council’s local regeneration team and youth services, opened in December last year.

Neighbourhood Chief Inspector Mike Claxton said: “Officers and staff have been temporarily relocated to Christchurch Police Station while we identify the extent of the damage and timescale of repairs.

“This has had little impact on operational and neighbourhood policing, and officers continue to patrol and respond to incidents as usual.

“Some officers have been taking the train from Christchurch to Pokesdown, in addition to the usual use of police vehicles, cycles and foot patrol, which has allowed them to provide a continued presence in Boscombe whilst the hub is unavailable.”

The station has been out of action since May 6, police say. Damage was caused to the building itself and equipment.

Police are working with representatives from leaseholder Bournemouth council to deal with the problem.

A spokesman said: “The leak should have minimal impact on the public and on operational neighbourhood policing."

“However, some police staff have been temporarily relocated to a suitable alternative location.”

Last year, officers said the move would provide better facilities, including interview rooms and meeting areas, as well as a more central location.

There is no enquiry desk at the site.

The “hub” project, converting a building which was derelict for several years, was forecast to cost the authority more than £1 million, some £350,000 over budget.

According to a council report, workers encountered unexpected structural problems during the construction process.

Ward councillor Philip Stanley-Watts said: "Living nearby it has been a great comfort to know the neighbourhood squad is based in the area and I would like to see them back as soon as possible.

"I understand it was a difficult building to restore, they had a lot of issues."

Sue Bickler, head of community regeneration at Bournemouth council, said: “Unfortunately a water leak in the upstairs flat caused damage to the office underneath including the electrical supply.

"Dorset Police have moved into temporary accommodation.

"The matter will be subject to a claim through the landlord’s insurance."