Avon and Somerset Police has announced that it is moving forward with plans to refurbish part of Lewis House in Bath to provide a new police station for neighbourhood officers.
PCC Sue Mountstevens, Inspector Gavin Usher and B&NES leader Cllr Dine Romero | Photo © A&S PCC Office
A lease agreement for the building on Manvers Street in the city centre has been reached between Avon and Somerset Police and Bath & North East Somerset Council.
PCC Sue Mounstevens said: “We are delighted to be co-locating with our partners at B&NES in Lewis House, which will ensure the visibility of the neighbourhood police team and accessibility to the enquiry office.”
The next steps will be to submit a planning application for work to alter the building to meet the needs of the police and council employees, as well as improving the visibility of the services for the community.
Councillor Dine Romero, leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council, added: “I am delighted that the prospect of a police station returning to the heart of the city has taken this important step forward and am looking forward to welcoming neighbourhood police officers to their new station later this year.”
City centre Councillor Sue Craig commented: “Lib Dem Councillors and Bath residents have been calling for the return of our police station for over five years, so this is very welcome news.
“I know the administration has been working hard to reach this agreement with Avon and Somerset Police.
“A police station is an important facility for a busy city with many visitors. We need that prominent presence, so people know where to go for help.
“Lib Dems have argued that a ‘proper’ police station needs to be visible, central and accessible to residents.
“This new facility fits the bill and we look forward to learning more details about opening hours and services in due course.”
Subject to the approval of the planning applications, it is hoped that work will begin later this year.
