PARISH councillors have welcomed the announcement that Wiltshire Police will establish a Southern Police Hub at Old Sarum saying it will boost safety.

The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire announced this month it had purchased six acres of land for a £23 million facility serving Salisbury and the wider area.

Laverstock and Ford Parish Council says the scheme, on land adjacent to the Avon Bourne Care Home, marks a major investment in local policing and community safety.

Speaking at a full council meeting at the Old Sarum & Longhedge Community Centre, ward councillor Patrick Schneider said: “The new police hub will increase safety in our parish, across Salisbury, and throughout the wider region.

“It transforms this land into a functional community asset and provides our police with a modern base from which to strengthen their visible presence across south Wiltshire.”

Cllr Cindy Vanstone highlighted the importance of the hub for residents: “As a former Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator, I am particularly pleased to see Wiltshire Police responding to long-standing calls from communities north of Salisbury for a stronger police presence.

“Locating the hub within Laverstock and Ford parish will provide welcome reassurance for our residents while improving community safety across southern Wiltshire.”

Cllr Ian McDonald added that local engagement will be an important next step: “We look forward to seeing the designs for the new hub next year, when residents and the parish council will have the opportunity to comment as part of the planning application process.”