THE main police station in Oxford could be sold off to save on maintenance and running costs, the Oxford Mail can reveal.

Thames Valley Police has launched an 18-month review into potentially selling St Aldate’s Police Station due to it being ‘old, inefficient and expensive’ to run.

The move could see the iconic building - used as a backdrop in many Inspector Morse episodes - be used as something else other than the base of the city’s police since it was built in 1937.

It comes as the force continues to assess its estate assets over the next two years, in order to cope with funding cuts of about £22m until 2019/20.

Police and Crime Commissioner Anthony Stansfeld said in a report to the force’s crime panel that stations without custody suites, such as St Aldate’s, could be disposed of or replaced where viable or affordable.

It has also been suggested that the city’s police could be housed with Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service and South Central Ambulance Service in stations such as Rewley Road in Oxford.

Mr Stansfeld told the Oxford Mail last night no decision had been made. He also assured the public the station would not be moved unless there was a ‘good alternative’ within the city centre.

He said: “We are only going to relocate if we have somewhere else near - it’s a thought. It does require a lot of money to be spent on it.

If a sale of the police station happened would signal a change in stance from Mr Stansfeld, who said in July 2015 there were no plans to close it.

Previous plans to refurbish the station were scaled back to save cash - which by 2020 will total in excess of £109m saved by the force since 2011.

Oxford Mail:

In January 2014, the custody cells were closed to save £2.5m in January 2014, with all people arrested now taken to Abingdon Police Station. It was also a base for Oxford City Police before Thames Valley was formed in 1968.

The station houses about 200 staff and officers and is understood to be worth millions of pounds.

Supt Joe Kidman, LPA Commander for Oxford city, said the force is ‘committed’ to retaining a ‘substantial’ policing presence based in central Oxford.

"There is no decision to close St Aldates Police Station. St Aldates undoubtedly has an iconic place amongst our city’s architecture and in the affections of many residents and members of the force.

"However it will require significant capital investment to be retained in the long term.

"It is therefore important that we consider a range of options.

"Any potential scheme would have to be both operationally and financially viable."