As marlborough.news reported in August, Marlborough’s police station will close – under economy plans drawn up by Wiltshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC).
It will be replaced by a ‘touchdown point’ – lodged in another building. And as marlborough.news reported in September one site believed to be under consideration is space in the new Marlborough Community and Youth Centre.
Some opposition to this was voiced by councillors – although it would provide a solid revenue stream to support the running costs of the Centre. It was also said to be too far from the High Street.
Now after some further reporting of this issue, the PCC, Angus Macpherson, has issued a statement that seems to rule out the Marlborough Community and Youth Centre as a possible ‘touchdown point’ for local police.
He talks about ‘alternative sites in central Marlborough’: “I am confident that we can identify a site that is highly visible, centrally located and suitable to ensure policing in Marlborough is unaffected.”
His office will continue to liaise with Marlborough Town Council: “No changes to the existing site will be made until a suitable alternative is in place.”
He also puts a little more detail onto what a ‘touchdown point’ will involve – it will include a ‘public enquiry office’. That also suggests it will have to be close to the heart of the town.