Deal agreed for new police station
The head of Avon and Somerset police has said Bath’s new police station will allow for a “more visible presence” in the city.
Speaking at the unveiling of a deal to relocate the force’s base, Chief Constable Andy Marsh said he wanted to make sure Bath remained a great place to “live, work and visit”.
Several senior figures in Bath gathered at Lewis House, in Manvers Street, to announce plans for the new station.
It will see the current police presence of an enquiry office and hot desks extended to accommodate the neighbourhood policing team.
The chief constable said: “We have always had 24/7 patrolling police officers and dedicated neighbourhood teams in Bath - latterly based in Lower Bristol Road.
“However, it’s great to have the opportunity to expand our public enquiry office and neighbourhood base for a more visible policing presence. We’re grateful for the support of our commissioner and Bath and North East Somerset Council in bringing this about.
“It reinforces our commitment to locally-based neighbourhood policing. Bath is a safe place and we look forward to continuing to work with local people and Bath and the council to make sure it remains a great city to live and work in and visit.”
Crime commissioner Sue Mountstevens said: “I’m pleased we can increase the neighbourhood policing presence in the heart of the city opposite the very site of the old police station. While the policing resources for Bath have not changed I hope that residents will be reassured by our commitments to the city, thanks to the support of Bath and North East Somerset Council.”
Work will be carried out to alter the building to meet the needs of the police over the coming months, subject to details being finalised.
The council’s One Stop Shop will continue to operate from the ground floor, but with a reduced service to reflect changing customer demand and changes to the service.
Councillor Tim Warren, leader of the council, added: “This is a huge boost for our city. Ever since the closure of the old police station residents and businesses have been asking for an increase in local police presence to provide muchneeded reassurance and to help keep our communities safe. I’m therefore delighted we’ve been able to secure this move of the Bath neighbourhood policing team to Lewis House, providing local policing from the heart of our city.”
Local MP Wera Hobhouse had backed a petition for a central, public-facing police station, which now has 2,242 signatures. She said: “This demonstrates that the ‘powers that be’ locally listen when people get together. I want to say a massive thank you to everyone who signed and shared my petition, and got momentum behind this campaign.
“I’m looking forward to seeing more detail, opening hours will be vital to the success of this ... I hope this development makes it easier for residents to access the police service, enables officers to do their jobs to the highest standards, and ultimately, makes the city safer for residents and visitors.”