CRICKLADE Police Station could be closed after more than 90 years on the High Street under new plans to redevelop a site in nearby Stones Lane into a Cricklade Campus.

The current station was opened in 1922 but, under proposals which went before Wiltshire Council’s planning committee last week, consent was approved for the Stones Lane development, which is set to include a new multi-games area and petanque court - and featuring a new venue for police.

The report stated: “Wiltshire Council is developing a transformation programme across all of its estate to create local community campuses.

“These campuses are intended to draw together community and council facilities under one roof, thus providing improved community facilities while rationalising the council’s estate.

“The intention is that older buildings which are poorly located, under-utilised or energy inefficient can be disposed of in favour of modern more energy efficient premises.

“Following an initial feasibility study, B3 Architects were appointed by Wiltshire Council to develop proposals for new Campus buildings in Cricklade.

“The development of these proposals was overseen by a Shadow Community Operations Board, also appointed by Wiltshire Council.

“Although feasibility studies were carried out into work on the Ockwells site and Cricklade police station building, after extensive consultation it was decided that new campus facilities would only be developed on the Stones Lane site.

“Ockwells will continue to provide library facilities and offices for Cricklade Town Council.

“Facilities for the police will be provided at the Stones Lane site and the existing Police Station site will be closed.”

Angus Macpherson, Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire and Swindon, said the scheme tied in with attempts by the force to work more closely with other agencies and vowed there would be no reduction in police presence as a result of the closure of Cricklade Police Station.

“In my Police and Crime Plan I made clear my commitment to work more closely with our council partners where it makes sense to do so, including sharing buildings, in order to improve customer service and save money,” he said.

“This approach is working well in Chippenham, Corsham, Salisbury and Swindon town centre.

“I am aware that Wiltshire Council is scoping initial plans and working with the community in Cricklade to provide improved facilities at the existing leisure centre.”

“Our local police officers will continue to have as much of a presence in Cricklade as they always have done and the high level of service provided to the townspeople will continue.”