Uncertainty over plans for 50 police cells in Gloucestershire
PLANS to spend £11million building 50 new police cells for Gloucestershire are set to come under scrutiny for a second time.
The police authority drew up the plans to replace outdated cells in Gloucester, Cheltenham and Stroud and they were given the nod in November.
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TIME SAVER: An artist's impression of the proposed custody centre in Waterwells.
But new Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Martin Surl has now called them in for an independent review.
Mr Surl said: "I realise a lot of research and development work has already gone into this project but I want to be certain it is the most effective option and gives the best value for money."
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The new custody suite would be built next to Gloucestershire Constabulary's headquarters in Waterwells Business Park. It would include 50 cells, interview rooms and offices.
A round trip from the city centre to Quedgeley takes about 40 minutes but it is claimed the new custody suite would actually save "considerable" officer time.
Mr Surl's office said the facility would have three entrances, seven charge desks, 10 holding cells and up to three custody officers on duty.
It is also claimed the time saved would "far outweigh" the extra fuel used transporting people to the cells.
If the commissioner gives the go-ahead, cells in Cheltenham and Gloucester police stations would be shut down, as would overflow cells in Stroud. The stations would remain open. Work could begin on the building as early as May and it would be completed by August next year.
Mr Surl said "doing nothing" or investing in the existing cells was untenable but it was also "vital" not to waste money.
Quedgeley resident Barry Kirby said: "I think it's a good thing to review them.
"I don't think there are any major problems with them but there was always that nagging issue at the back of people's minds about people who have been arested then being let out into the neighbourhood."
4 Comments
by GlosAnarchy
Friday, February 01 2013, 3:57PM
“£220,000 per cell, do they get all mod cons with that? on-suite?”
by Walker100
Friday, February 01 2013, 11:35AM
“Did the time saving calculations include the time for transport to and from Stroud Police Station? If so, if the Stroud cells were opened again and the Stroud transport times removed from the calculations are there still time savings?
Further, taking into account the potential for a new Justice Hub on Gloucester prison how about saving this £11m and spending on that?”
by Shireresident
Friday, February 01 2013, 11:13AM
“What's the problem, there won't be enough police left soon to fill up these cells so bingo there's even more savings for Mr. Surls' programme of cuts. Pity he didn't come clean in his manifesto about how little he could do in the face of government cuts to Gloucestershire Police. Still it's easy to get carried away with expansive promises when on an ego trip isn't it. I see the rest of his term of office as tinkering round the edges and doing nothing to challenge the carnage that will be made to policeing here.”
by Villager1950
Friday, February 01 2013, 10:13AM
“Mr Surl said in a recent interview that he used to be indecisive but went onto say he is no longer sure.”