Northants Police union concerned about decision to move out of Wootton Hall HQ

Unison Northants Police branch secretary Lyndsay Smith said members agreed the force’s estate should be reviewed to make savings but was concerned abut the speed of the proposed changes.

She said: “While we agree that a review of buildings and location should be part of any plans to make required savings and we welcome the opportunity to consult on this important issue, we do not agree that any timescales of the proposed move should be dictated by the speed at which a school wants to open.

“The decision should be made for the right reasons and for what’s best for Northamptonshire Police, not due to the PCC wanting to leave a “legacy” behind for the people of Northamptonshire.

“We cannot understand how this is in the best interests of the force, or the public which he serves”.

Police Commissioner Adam Simmonds said he supported the opening of a school, for pupils aged from four to 18 years old, on the Wootton Hall site.

He said a decision was due to be made on the future of the site in March, with all staff possibly moved out by July 2018.