WARMINSTER Town Councillors have backed the proposed change of use of the former Wiltshire College & University Centre premises in The Avenue to a community policing hub.

But councillors concerned about a potential increase in traffic have asked that the planning application be subject to a rigorous road traffic management plan.

Former mayor Cllr Tony Nicklin, said: “This move supports the Warminster Neighbourhood Development Plan 2015- 2026.

“One of the objectives of the plan is Policy TC1, to support the regeneration of the town centre, including the area of the Central Car Park and the site of the old police houses along with their service yard.

“It should assist the revitalisation of the town centre, aid economic regeneration of the surrounding area and makes best use of the central site in support of an expanding population.”

Wiltshire and Swindon Police and Crime Commissioner Angus Macpherson announced in August that police wanted to relocate to The Avenue.

He said the current Warminster premises in Station Road is one of the oldest buildings on the police estate and was regarded as no longer meeting the operational needs of the Force.

Mr Macpherson said: “The proposed move to the new site is great news for the public, officers and staff.

"It will maintain our position in the heart of the community in which we serve whilst providing us with better facilities that, alongside my investment in mobile technology, will enable us to do our job more efficiently and effectively.”

Public consultation on the planning application ends on Wednesday, September 25 and the target date for a decision is Monday, October 14.