MALMESBURY and Cricklade police stations are set to close permanently under new cost cutting measures outlined by Wiltshire’s police and crime commissioner.
PCC Angus Macpherson today released his Estates Strategy, a document outlining the future of police owned buildings across the county.
Under the proposal, Malmesbury and Cricklade police stations, which are ‘approaching the end of life’, will be replaced by ‘Touchdown’ points – places in the community described as ‘public and visible areas where officers and staff can work and interact with the public with welfare provision’.
The move will see the two town’s policing team permanently relocate to a new community policing team (CPT) hub in Royal Wotton Bassett, which will be one of eight in the county.
It is unclear what form the touchdown points will take in Malmesbury and Cricklade however the strategy outlines that the locations will be shared with other partners.
There is likely to be little impact in the short term as Malmesbury and Cricklade’s stations have been used less and less since constables and police community support officers moved to Royal Wotton Bassett station.
The officers and PCSOs have often worked remotely at locations such as Malmesbury Abbey and the new touchdown site is expected to give them a greater presence in the town.
PCC Angus Macpherson said: “This model will ensure that Wiltshire Police has a network of facilities across Wiltshire and Swindon, in locations advised by the chief constable to keep the people of Wiltshire and Swindon safe.
“I want to deliver state-of-the art facilities that enhance policing and provide a more efficient and effective service for the public.
“With investment in technology, police and staff no longer need to be tethered to a desk.
"They can be more visible and more connected in their communities, doing work on laptops and smartphones in public spaces."
There are currently 2,000 officers and staff working across Wiltshire in premises valued at £20m and the relocation, which is expected to be delivered after October 2018, is part of the PCC’s strategy to reduce the annual spend on estates running costs by 20 per cent and to dispose of all assets and land identified as surplus by 2021.
To view the Estates Strategy, go to wiltshire-pcc.gov.uk
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