POLICE in Tavistock could be moving to a new, purpose-built station just off the town centre, it was announced this week.

Devon and Cornwall Police are currently in negotiations involving the purchase of land in Abbey Rise, at the old Superwinch site.

West Devon Sector Inspector Dave Hammond this week confirmed the location in which the police are hoping to build their new premises — but stressed that contracts had not yet been exchanged on the purchase.

Insp Hammond said: 'It's a large, level site and it's fairly close to the town centre.

'We know we are not going to get a location like we have at the moment, but I think it's in a good situation, it's next to the ambulance station, the fire station and the doctors' surgery.

'We've been looking for ages for a new site, we've looked at Pixon Lane, there was the Sainsbury's idea, but this one is probably more straightforward, we just have to go through the negotiating process.'

Insp Hammond said although the new station would not be as centrally located as the present building, there would still be a town centre police presence.

'We would maintain a police enquiry office in the town, although we haven't identified a location yet,' he said.

Tavistock Police Station was the second oldest police station in the country, and possibly the oldest still in working use, said Insp Hammond.

'It's done really well for 160 years but I'm sure when it was built all those years ago they would be surprised it's still managing to be used as a police station.

'It's a beautiful building but it's listed. Everyone is fond of it but it costs a lot of money to heat and light, it costs a lot to maintain and it doesn't provide enough space for my officers to work comfortably,' he said.

'We have real problems making it comply with new disability legislation and because it's listed, we can't just knock the building about.

'We're not doing this just because we want a nice shiny new station, we want the right building to provide a more efficient working environment.

'At the moment if I have a meeting with just half a dozen officers, we have to go to a different building.

'In a new station, I would also be able to meet with the partners we work with, and that's important.'

Insp Hammond said it was impossible to give a timescale regarding any future move — but he was keen to consult with the public about the future of the town's police station, and the new enquiry centre.

'We are trying to make sure we provide the best possible service to people that live in Tavistock and in West Devon in general,' he said.