Salisbury could get new police station as new PCC asks for review
He says it's a problem a lot of residents have mentioned to him
The new Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire has asked the Chief Constable and his team to conduct an immediate review into the police estates in Salisbury and South Wiltshire.
Philip Wilkinson, who took office for the first time this week, visited the city yesterday (Thursday 2nd September) and announced his initial plans for policing here.
He wants to review whether Bourne Hill is a suitable location or whether a new police station should be created in Salisbury.
Philip said:
“On the doorstep, the message came through loud and clear to me: the operational police estate in Salisbury, and the south of the county, is an issue.
“It was also clear to me when I raised this with the Chief Constable, that senior leadership and officers weren’t happy either.
“I’ve listened to this and, as a result, I’ve asked the Chief Constable, and his leadership team, to conduct an immediate review of operational police estate in Salisbury and the south of the county.
“We have discussed how the review should look at the existing estate and whether the current police accommodation is fit-for-purpose for an agile police workforce in the 21st century.”
The review is expected to be completed in the near future.
It will also feed into the wider Estates' strategy and also help to inform the PCC’s policing priorities in his Police and Crime Plan, will look at the existing police estate in that area alongside what frontline staff need.
Mr Wilkinson told Greatest Hits that he had some locations for a new station in mind, but wasn't 100% yet.
He says he will stay in contact with Wiltshire and Salisbury City Councils, as well as MP John Glen, about any advances.
He added:
"The review's recommendations and outcome will, of course, inform my Police and Crime Plan and the operational policing priorities contained within.
"This will be happening later this year and will be open to consultation and feedback from everyone in the county.
“I have made no secret of the fact that I want to deliver progress and I do believe actions speak louder than words. The hard work has started."