New police station confirmed for Bath

7 March 2019, 15:07 | Updated: 7 March 2019, 15:08

A new police station has been confirmed for Bath.

It will be based in Lewis House in Manvers Street, opposite the old station which closed in 2015.

Councillor Tim Warren, leader of the council, said: ''I've been working with Sue Mountstevens for some time and I'm extremely pleased our efforts to establish a new police station in Bath have come to fruition. 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 much-needed reassurance and to help keep our communities safe. I am therefore delighted that we have been able to secure this move of the Bath neighbourhood policing team to Lewis House, providing local policing from the heart of our city.''

Sue Mountstevens, Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner, added: ''I'm pleased that 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.''

Avon and Somerset Police Chief Constable Andy Marsh 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, work and visit.''

Over the coming months work will be carried out to alter the building to meet the needs of the police and the space will be rented by the Police and Crime Commissioner.

The council One Stop Shop will continue to operate from the ground floor, but with a reduced footprint to reflect changing customer demand and planned operational changes to the service.

Councillor Bob Goodman, cabinet member for Development and Neighbourhoods and Chair of the Community Safety Partnership, said: ''It's essential we have a police station in the heart of our city. This new arrangement is a win-win for the police and reflects partnership working at its best. As well as working closely with the police on this new base at Lewis House, the council is also committed to helping people feel safe through measures such as CCTV. Bath is a safe city but it needs and deserves a high-quality police presence and I am sure that local people will see a tangible difference once these moves have been made.''