‘UNTIL a spade is in the ground, a development such as this is never truly promised.’

Wiltshire Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), Philip Wilkinson, says a number of possible sites for a new Salisbury police ‘hub’ are still being explored.

The comments come after a planning application for development of the High Post Business Park, between Salisbury and Amesbury, included plans for a police ‘station’.

PCC Wilkinson, who has pledged to create a Southern Policing Hub for Salisbury, said people could expect more speculative details to emerge before a final decsion is made.

“I have been really clear in my commitment to delivering a Southern Policing Hub for the residents of Salisbury,” he said.

“Both the Chief Constable and I remain focused on securing the best possible solution not only for our residents but for our police officers, staff and volunteers too.

“Wiltshire Police needs a purpose-built site equipped to deal with all aspects of modern-day policing with room for growth, if necessary.”

READ MORE: Planning application includes scheme for new Salisbury police station

He said no decision had yet been made on the final location for the hub – despite the plans being submitted to Wiltshire Council.

“From the start of the process, when only the single option of High Post was available to us, I have listened to residents views and sought feedback,” he went on.

“This has led to my team, who are working relentlessly in the background, managing to secure several available options for a proposed location – and these are all being progressed as we speak.

Plans submitted to Wiltshire Council for an extension of the High Post Business Park included plans for a new police station

“We are working closely with our planning consultants, and it would be short-sighted of me not to continue to explore several avenues for a location for the Hub – that includes multiple locations and planning applications.

“As we all know, until planning consent is achieved and a spade is in the ground, a development such as this is never truly promised.

“I have kept residents and all interested stakeholders up-to-date, as much as I am able given commercial sensitivities and considerations, but until the ink is signed on a contract with a firm commitment to a particular location, I cannot expand further.”