Plans to build two new custody centres and additional police operational accommodation in the County have been withdrawn, the Gloucestershire Police Authority has announced today, Wednesday 28 July.

The sites at Bishops Cleeve and Waterwells were due to house two new custody suites and separate police operational accommodation to replace existing facilities at Bearlands, in Gloucester, and Lansdown Road, in Cheltenham.

Cllr Rob Garnham, Chair of the Gloucestershire Police Authority, said: “We can confirm that the project known as PFI2 - 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and other Police Operational Accommodation - is no longer a viable and affordable investment for the Force and is to be withdrawn.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 Gloucestershire Constabulary, said: “We fully support the decision by the Gloucestershire Police 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, from us; putting people first in everything we do.” Construction was due to start in March 2011. Work has now begun to review the existing estate, which will take into account the Constabulary’s immediate accommodation requirements.