I am pleased that we can finally announce Tidworth Town Council and Wiltshire Police are working together to build a new civic centre and Community Policing Team hub to replace the community centre at Wylye Road.
The civic centre is needed with the growth in the town in recent years. It will be a modern facility that will enable far more use by local groups and the wider community than the existing community centre, which has served us well but is limited in its use and is showing its age. The police being part of the project is a massive coup for the town. It will mean the closure of the Amesbury and Tidworth stations and the local team being permanently based in Tidworth, which can only be good news for the town.
Initial drawings of the building are shown below. A public consultation on the plans will be held later this year prior to the former planning application being submitted in January 2021. The building of the centre is likely to take place from mid-2022 to autumn 2023.
The last few months have been very difficult for all of us and in particular local independent businesses. I have helped several local businesses with grant applications and given information on social media on how they can apply.
I have also worked closely with the Tidworth Chamber of Commerce, so much so that the Town Council is now a member of the Chamber and sits on its committee so that we can work together more easily for the benefit of the community.
Anti-social behaviour has unfortunately been on the increase recently around the town. The Council removed the buggy shelter outside of the Council offices and the bus shelter next to the Wylye Road play park (opposite the Post Office) due to ongoing issues at both sites. I have been liaising with the police about areas of concern and targeted patrols are taking place.
The Council has two vacancies for new members who want to give something to the community. It is a rewarding role and you can help organise events such as Tidworth Festival and provide facilities for the town. If you are interested, please contact Carly Lovell at Townclerk@tidworthtowncouncil.gov.uk
