FEARS that Marlborough was to lose its police station have been allayed by the Wiltshire force.

Speculation about the base in George Lane started after a post questioning its future appeared on social media.

Confusion grew because Wiltshire police is changing its working model and from next week more officers will be based in Devizes.

But now the town council has been assured the enquiry office will remain open and there will be no change to opening hours.

Town clerk Shelley Parker said: "We have been assured that no changes will be made that will affect the public’s use of the police station."

But Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire and Swindon Angus Macpherson did say that the new policing model will bring changes for Marlborough. He said: “Marlborough falls under the Wiltshire East Community Policing Team, which will be launched next Monday (17 October 2016). Each CPT will be briefed at their designated base location, which for Marlborough staff and officers will be in Devizes, on the most up-to-date intelligence before going out on their shifts.

"However it is important to reassure people that this is just for the briefings. As soon as these joint briefings are finished, all officers and staff will be back out in their beat areas, policing local issues. This means staff and officers will still be working in local communities.

"I am reviewing all the estate and working closely with other public sector partners to share facilities where we can. Officers obviously need facilities in their working area, but this may not mean we need a dedicated police building with no other public use or access. Sharing public buildings not only saves the Force money but provides a more visible and accessible service."