MELKSHAM custody cells are undergoing a £3.7m refurbishment over the next eight months.
The unit, that is 20-years-old and sees approximately 3,500 detainees per year and operates 24 hours, seven days a week, is being refurbished due to wear and tear. The refurbishment will include mechanical and electrical system upgrades, an improved air lock system, a more secure alarm network and a refresh of the custody desk, offices and cells.
A spokesperson from the office of Police and Crime Commission said, “Melksham custody requires refurbishment due to natural wear and tear of the facility and is now in need of significant investment to ensure it is fit-for-purpose, a facility which can keep detainees safe as well as offering the best opportunity for evidence collection and preservation to inform investigation and charge outcomes.
“Police custody units must meet the required Home Office and His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) compliance standard, and the Home Office are continually reviewing their guidance on the design of custody units. The HMICFRS inspection in 2015 highlighted areas of the building which required attention. New guidelines from the Home Office were also published this year and will be adopted during the refurbishment.”
The refurbishment is funded by the office of the Police and Crime Commissioner. Last year, Wiltshire’s police and crime commissioner Philip Wilkinson approved the £3.7m investment to fund refurbishment works.
Any arrests made during the refurbishment will be taken to Gablecross custody in Swindon.
