PCC reveals sites being considered for possible Southern Policing Hub

Friday, 24 March 2023 00:00

Four sites in and around Salisbury are actively being considered as possible locations for a new Southern Policing Hub.

Steps to bring forward plans to provide a policing hub for the south, which would include a police station for Salisbury, among other functions, are moving in the right direction with Wiltshire’s Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner leading the project.

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 Salisbury's Fugglestone Red and Old Sarum areas. An 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 ongoing and to 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 due to 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 to 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 later, with any decision 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.”