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Wiltshire Police has accepted an invitation from the trustees of Highworth Community Centre to use the building as a "touchdown point". The centre, in The Dormers, is a thriving and spacious community hub which accommodates many local groups and activities.
From 3 September, Wiltshire Police officers and staff will have round-the-clock access to the building. The touchdown point will provide 24-hour access to toilet and kitchen facilities, plus rest area.
Insp Andy Bridge, of the Swindon North Community Policing Team, said: "Our officers and staff are briefed at Gablecross in Swindon at the start of their shifts, and that won't change.
"Thanks to this generous gesture from the trustees of Highworth Community Centre, officers and staff who are in the Highworth area will be able to drop in at any time, night and day, to make use of the facilities.
"If a member of the public wants to contact Wiltshire Police they should continue to call 101, or 999 in an emergency.
"But if they are using the centre and happen to see one of our officers or staff then they can, of course, raise any issues or concerns with them.
"The centre could also be a handy location for a meeting between an officer or member of staff and a local resident.
"Under our Community Policing model, officers and staff no longer need to return to a police station to do paperwork. They can now do that, and more, whilst out and about, thanks to a major investment in mobile technology by the Police and Crime Commissioner."
In drawing up his estates strategy, PCC Angus Macpherson asked the Chief Constable what his operational policing needs were. Highworth Police Station, in Newburgh Place, was regarded as no longer meeting the operational needs of the Force.
Mr Macpherson said: "I am seeking to reduce the cost of the Wiltshire Police estate by 20 per cent by 2021. It currently costs between £16,000 and £20,000 a year to keep Highworth Police Station open.
"The volunteer trustees of the community centre have generously invited Wiltshire Police to make use of their facilities free of rent.
"Under their enthusiastic management, the community centre is really buzzing and I am delighted that officers and staff will be able to use it as a touchdown point.
"It is important to emphasise that there will be no change in the service that the people of Highworth receive from the Force. It will be business as usual. For example police surgeries will continue to be held at the podium in the Market Place."
Once Wiltshire Police officers and staff are using the community centre, the building in Newburgh Place will be closed and secured and the site offered for sale. It will not be allowed to fall into disrepair. The grounds will be maintained and the building regularly inspected to ensure statutory obligations are met.