PCC to seek loan for new South Policing Hub in Wiltshire
Philip Wilkinson's preferred site at Old Sarum needs electricity infrastructure installed to support a new station
Wiltshire's Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) insists he's still pushing for a South Policing Hub despite steps being taken to save money.
Philip Wilkinson's says his preferred site is still at Old Sarum, although the site lacks the electrical infrastructure to support a Police Station at the moment.
But the PCC has told Greatest Hits Radio that he's hoping to know if that can be installed soon.
"I'm told now I should be told by June whether they can put the electricity infrastructure in place to support police station. If they do, I will buy it on behalf of Wiltshire Police Force," he said.
And while Mr Wilkinson admitted that, as there isn't a huge amount of cash in the bank, a loan would be needed to fund the new facility.
He described interest rates as "not that bad at the moment" and hopes to be able to progress soon before they go up again.
The size of the loan would depend on advice from Chief Constable Catherine Roper on whether or not the site should have a custody suite.
The PCC said: "In very round terms, a police station like Gable Cross (in Swindon) without custody is 20 million and with custody is 30 million."
Mr Wilkinson says he's confident that the money could be borrowed and paid back over an extended period of time as it would deliver a major improvement on how policing is delivered in the Salisbury and South Wiltshire area.
Should it be confirmed that electrical infrastructure can be installed and the site purchased, planning permission would need to be granted by Wiltshire Council.
The PCC said he hopes to have the new facility open before the end of his term as Commissioner in three years time.