PLANS to build two new custody centres and additional police operational suites in the county have been withdrawn, the Gloucestershire Police Authority has announced today, Wednesday 28 July.

The proposed sites at Bishops Cleeve and the Waterwells HQ were due to house the two new facilities to replace existing centres at Bearlands in Gloucester and Lansdown Road in Cheltenham.

Councillor Rob Garnham, chairman of the Gloucestershire Police Authority, said: "We can confirm that the project to build two new custody suites and other police operational accommodation is no longer a viable and affordable investment for the force and is to be withdrawn.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.

"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."

Tony Melville, chief constable of the constabulary, said: "We fully support the decision by the authority.

"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.

"We are constantly working to enhance the service that we supply and we will continue to prioritise our resources to provide the service that the public want and, quite rightly expect."

Construction was due to start in March next year.

Work has now begun to review the force’s existing estate, which will take into account its immediate accommodation requirements.