PLANS to allow Marlborough residents to view and comment on the future of the town’s old police station have moved online.

Drawings and artwork of the proposed residential development were previously intended to be displayed at the former police station last month, however this had to be postponed due to the government guidelines around social distancing.

The Office of Police and Crime Commissioner are inviting the local residents of George Lane, Marlborough and the surrounding areas to view the proposed development plans for the former police station at www.wiltshire-pcc.gov.uk .

This opportunity to review the key aspects of the proposed plans will give local people the option to provide any feedback via email to facilities@wiltshire.pnn.police.uk.

Responses received will help to shape the scheme ahead of formal planning submission to the Council.

Police and Crime Commissioner Angus Macpherson said: “Despite having to delay due to the current Coronavirus pandemic, it is still really important we give local residents the opportunity to have their say about how the former Marlborough police station site will be used.

“It is my duty to maximise the value of any excess estate I hold.

“Everyone’s safety comes first, so we have had to adapt how this engagement can happen slightly and move things online.

“The proposal is an attractive residential development, sensitively designed with high energy efficiency, local materials sourced where possible and improved landscaping.

"I would encourage local people to take a look and send the team your feedback," he said.

A Marlborough Town Council spokesperson said: “The future of the former station is being watched carefully by members of the Steering Group of the Marlborough Area Neighbourhood Plan who would want to see a community facility or at least a 40% element of affordable housing at the site.”

When the station was opened, it had state of the art terrorist cells fitted. Now the station has been replaced with the touchdown area.

Marlborough was among 10 police stations in Wiltshire due to close in 2018 once temporary ‘touch-down’ meeting points were found, to save on running costs of the George Lane station.

The Police and Crime Commissioner’s annual estate strategy labelled the building ‘under-used’ and ‘approaching its end of life’.

“The local community touchdown point in Corner House, Marlborough opened its doors in September 2019 for staff and officers to carry out daily tasks and has replaced the station on George Lane," said commissioner MacPherson.

"This supports my wider Estate Strategy 2017-21 which focusses on reducing the cost of the estate to protect front line policing, while we continue investing in technology to support working remotely.”