WILTSHIRE Police plan to use the former Wiltshire College campus in The Avenue in Warminster as a new police station.  They want to use it to replace the town’s existing police station in Station Road which the Force says is no longer fit for purpose.

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire and Swindon, Angus Macpherson, this week submitted an application for a change of use for the campus.

The current Warminster station is one of the oldest buildings on the police estate and was regarded as no longer meeting the operational needs of the Force.

Mr Macpherson said: “Having reviewed a number of options for a future Community Policing Hub within Warminster, including renovating the existing site, I can confirm that we have recently purchased the former Wiltshire College campus on The Avenue.

“The proposed move to the new site is great news for the public, officers and staff. It will maintain our position in the heart of the community in which we serve whilst providing us with better facilities that, alongside my investment in mobile technology, will enable us to do our job more efficiently and effectively.”

Wiltshire West Inspector Andy Fee said “The current Warminster site is in a great location but it’s not fit for purpose. I am really excited by this news and will look forward to working in a modern and improved facility.

"It is important to emphasise that should the move go ahead, there would be no change in the service that the people of Warminster receive from the Force. It would be business as usual.”

It is hoped the Warminster CPT would be fully operational in the new station within the next 12 to 18 months. A detailed plan for the move will be finalised once a decision has been made regarding the change of use application.

For further information on the PCC’s Estates Strategy please visit the Police and Crime Commissioner’s website at www.wiltshire-pcc.gov.uk