Options for new Salisbury police station emerge as residents encouraged to have their say
Three proposals are being explored
Residents in Salisbury are being invited to an engagement event to discuss plans for a new police station in Salisbury and south Wiltshire.
The Police and Crime Commissioner and the Chief Constable want to update people about the work that has been carried out so far.
In September Philip Wilkinson ordered a review after widespread criticism.
Three options are being looked at:
• Refurbishment of the existing Bourne Hill - a review previously found that due to a lack of space it is not future fit
• A smaller community hub on land at the back of Wilton Road
• A new purpose-built policing hub at High Post, which would service the south of the county. This solution is being considered both with, and without, a custody suite attached. As part of this solution, enquiry office-style shops would be utilised in both Salisbury and Amesbury to provide a police front desk and used as touchdown points for officers.
The engagement event is being held at Salisbury Guildhall on October 31st, from 7-8.30pm, and people are can book online to be there in person.
It will also be livestreamed for those unable to get there.
Philip Wilkinson said:
“We know to provide Salisbury and the south with the police service they want, and deserve, will require compromise somewhere, be that location, configuration or simply balancing operational policing guidance with the city’s aspirations and the finances available to me.
“Both the Chief Constable and I want Salisbury’s communities to have officers who are able to operate effectively, with the ability of neighbourhood policing teams to be more visible and accessible to the public and we will work together to deliver this.
“I have always been clear that we should engage with residents in the south at every opportunity so they can hear from those people in charge of making decisions on their behalf, so they can see and hear the detail but also so that they can have their views heard and listened to.
“I would really encourage those people with an active interest in policing in the south of the county to come along, listen to the options available and give their views.”
Chief Constable Kier Pritchard added:
“The current working environment used by my officers and staff based in the south of the county isn’t fit for purpose. I have carefully assessed what is needed from an operational perspective to ensure that we have facilities in place that meet the needs of policing in the 21st century.
"My operational advice to the PCC is that a new police station within the vicinity of Salisbury, or surrounding area, should be sought so that we are better able to meet the needs of our communities and provide a better working environment for our officers and staff in the south of the county.”
You can book a place by visiting the PCC website.