BETWEEN 15 and 20 prisoners a day are being processed at the new multi million pound police custody suite for West Norfolk and the Fens.

Cambridgeshire Police Authority was told that the joint venture with Norfolk Police at Kings Lynn was working well to handle suspects 'speedily and effectively'.

Mark Hopkins, assistant chief constable, said the new facility – which opened at the beginning of May- provides a 'superb environment for Cambridgeshire's police officers.

'There is an aim to put up to 1900 detained people a year through the cell block.'

Mr Hopkins said it was often quicker and closer for officers to take detainees from the Wisbech area to Kings Lynn than it would be to March custody 'in 1500 of the 1900 cases anticipated to use this facility'.

'Also, although March custody will no longer be open for general use, it will still be operational as a standby custody suite.'

Mr Hopkins said the purpose built custody suite and investigation unit at Kings Lynn was providing a classic study in officers from different forces working together.

In its first month 170 detainees from Fenland and 345 from Norfolk were processed at the centre.

A Cambridgeshire detective sergeant and five investigators work alongside Norfolk colleagues in joint prisoner handling teams.

Other Cambs officers drop in and out depending on demand.

The Kings Lynn unit was among six built across Norfolk under a PFI initiative and a cost of nearly �90 million.