Wiltshire PCC 'exploring all options' for potential new Salisbury police station
Philip Wilkinson's office is 'gathering information' on a number of sites
'Several further site options' for a possible new police station for Salisbury are being looked into, according to Wiltshire's Police and Crime Commissioner.
Philip Wilkinson has updated us on what's happened since a public meeting on the subject was held at the city's Guildhall on October 31st.
He says more potential have been suggested by landowners and developers since that consultation.
A dedicated project team that's part of the PCC's office is now 'gathering more information' on those sites.
The locations of those aren't being revealed at this stage for commercial reasons.
They're also starting work on scoping out whether a proposed build at High Post would get planning permission, before any formal applications go in.
Mr Wilkinson said:
"We are extremely fortunate that we have now found several further sites to scope as location possibilities for a new station in closer proximity to Salisbury and we are also able to move forward in parallel with this, and at no cost to the taxpayer, further scoping to see if planning permission would be viable at High Post.
"We are listening and exploring all options open to us. The worst thing for us to do at this time is to make no progress and rest on one's laurels. We all know policing in Salisbury and the south needs investment - and that is what I am determined to bring to fruition."
The PCC for Wiltshire has also reassured us that people living in the south of the county, along with local councillors and other stakeholders, will continue as the process goes on:
“Continued conversation with residents directly affected by decisions made by myself and the Chief Constable is vital.
“The public’s views on the police service they receive is important. We need to know where we can improve - and it was clear an operational review and decisive action out of that was what we needed to deliver.
“The Chief and I have been listening to residents’ feedback, and that of officers and staff - frustrated with how the lack of a cohesive policing hub, with all services under one roof, has been impacting on how they carry out their jobs.
“I am really pleased to be able to continue with our plans to deliver a new police station for Salisbury and the south which will ultimately provide an improved police service for residents and contribute to making Wiltshire safer.”