Officers at Royal Wootton Bassett have begun moving their kit out ready for their temporary move to Malmesbury.

Work begins on next Monday to transform the out-of-date police building in the town, into a modern, key base for policing across North Wiltshire.

While the extensive revamp is going on, Malmesbury Police Station will be hosting officers and staff from Royal Wootton Bassett.

Arrangements have been made to accommodate the extra kit and staff at the Malmesbury site.

North Wiltshire CPT Inspector Mark Luffman said: “Local residents can be reassured that, during the temporary move, officers and staff will be briefed at Malmesbury at the beginning of their shift and will then go out on patrol at Royal Wootton Bassett and other towns and villages within North Wiltshire, just as they do now.

“We’ve said we will share buildings wherever we can with our public service partners and we’re very grateful for two excellent touchdown locations that have been offered to us in the town.

"We have office hours access to the town council and 24/7 access to the Royal Wotton Bassett Community Fire Station, giving our officers round the clock use of facilities for administration and refreshments.

“If members of the public wish to meet privately with an officer to discuss any concerns, they can contact 101 in the usual way and request an appointment with someone once they’re put through to an officer.”

Police and Crime Commissioner, Angus Macpherson is clear that policing needs to “move with the times.”

“My Estates Strategy 2017-21, is a five-year plan to transform the use of our buildings.

"The refurbishment of Royal Wootton Bassett is the latest in a number of recent developments within the estates strategy.

“Across the county we are beginning to see a steady stream of tangible improvements to modernise our estate.

"We’re also continuing to introduce more touchdown points across the county to replace under-utilised and inefficient stations.

"Investing in Royal Wootton Bassett will ensure that we retain a vital footprint in the heart of the town.

"We’ll have a modern, fit-for-purpose building that, alongside the investment I have made into mobile technology - 4G enabled laptops and personal issue mobile phones - will help our officers and staff meet the needs of their local communities in an efficient and effective way, working from buildings fit for the 21st century."