FOUR sites are "actively being considered" as possible locations for a new police station in south Wiltshire. 

Last October, a public meeting was held in the city to explain options and progress being made.

And then at the Calne Area board earlier this month, Police and Crime Commsioner Philip Wilkinson said that discussions were ongoing about purchasing six acres of land near Old Sarum and Salisbury Park and Ride to set up a base in the south of the county.

Mr Wilkinson also noted that it might be possible to open a custody suite at the Salisbury site but that would be dependent on the operational requirements identified by the Chief Constable.

The PCC Office has now confirmed to the Journal that the sites actively being considered are:

  • Land at High Post, near Salisbury. "The PCC understands this is further from Salisbury than residents would wish however it remains an opportunity".
  • Conversations are also taking place with landowners in the Fugglestone Red and Old Sarum areas of Salisbury.  The investigation is ongoing to see if the land and location is appropriate to deliver policing from. 
  • The final location for consideration is on land joined with Salisbury District Hospital.  Conversations surrounding the layout of the current site are on-going and whether a policing facility can be located on their land.

Wiltshire PCC Philip Wilkinson said the value of engaging with the Salisbury community at a public meeting last October was evident – as it opened up other site options to the team, with some as a result of suggestions from members of the public at, and after, the event.

“We are listening to all feedback given to us,” Mr Wilkinson said. “For a southern policing hub to be successful, it has meet the needs of our communities as well as being viable in terms of planning, provide the facilities needed to deliver quality policing from. It also has to be affordable.

“It is a very fine balance – and a major investment – so we are extremely keen to make the right decisions for the community.”

Conversations and negotiations have been continuing, post event, with different landowners and developers taking place over the last few weeks.

A further decision on whether a custody suite would be part of any proposed development will be taken at a later point, with any decision made firmly rooted in the operational advice – and need – from Wiltshire Police Chief Constable Catherine Roper.

Mr Wilkinson added: “All four sites remain options at this stage. We are fortunate to be in a position where there are several possibilities as that was looking like it was not the case late last year.

“Continued conversation with residents directly affected by decisions made by myself and the Chief Constable is vital – we both acknowledge the public’s views on the police service they receive is important. Once we are in a further position to update residents, I will do so.”