WILLITON Police Station will be put for sale later this month, it has been revealed.

Avon and Somerset police say officers are preparing to move in to West Somerset House, where the district and county councils are based.

The Grade-II listed Victorian station will be sold by Hartnell Taylor Cook Surveyors but police are not expected to move out until later in the winter.

Chief Inspector Lisa Simpson, local policing commander for Somerset West, said: “The station will be going on the market in the near future and, while we will be sad to say goodbye to our beautiful building which has been home to our local team for many years, I am delighted that we will be moving into our new base.  

“We believe this new location will give us a more efficient building, which will reflect our needs whilst helping to reduce costs. Being located at West Somerset House will allow the Neighbourhood Team to remain visible in their community.  I can also see huge benefits in co-location enhancing partnership working and collaboration.”

The building is being sold as part of the constabulary’s Estate Strategy and the move will help the police and council work closer together.

Police officers and PCSOs will continue to work directly in the area. Response officers will also be based at the new HQ giving them better access across West Somerset.  

The teams and the public Enquiry Office will remain at Williton Police Station until their new accommodation is ready this winter, and operational policing will remain unaffected.

Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens said: Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens said: “Ensuring local communities have access to their local policing team is really important for residents.  As is making sure that the policing service local people expect is value for money.   

“Co-locating with West Somerset Council and Somerset County Council in West Somerset House not only helps us to make savings, but is also move convenient for local people.  We’ll now be working to get the best price for local residents for Williton police station.”