2:48pm Thursday 29th July 2010
By Claire Marshall
PLANS for two new custody centres in Gloucestershire have been scrapped following proposed government budget cuts to the police force.
Two sites, one in Bishops Cleeve and one at Gloucestershire Constabulary’s headquarters in Waterwells, Quedgeley, were due to house new custody centres and separate police operational accommodation to replace existing and outdated cells in Cheltenham and Gloucester.
Chairman of the Gloucestershire Police Authority, Cllr Rob Garnham, said the project was no longer a "viable and affordable investment for the force" and would be withdrawn.
"People will know that the Police Authority already have a tight grip on finances and we have already made significant savings running into millions of pounds," said Cllr Garnham.
"With the current financial crisis we have had to look again at all our strategies and we cannot end up in the situation of trying to afford new buildings at the expense of officers and staff.
"We owe it to our colleagues to ensure that their well being and employment comes before bricks and mortar."
Chief Constable Tony Melville said he supported the Authority’s decision.
"Whilst I understand that it may be difficult for the public to understand, this is ultimately about ensuring that we invest in the right places to serve our communities; it is essential that we keep officers on frontline duties where the public need them."
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