Widnes Police Station could soon be on the move

The current building in Kingsway is run down and would cost around £2 million to renovate, says Cheshire Police.

A review has found that the premises are too big for the Widnes Neighbourhood Team and many parts are unoccupied.

One proposal is to move to offices at the nearby Select Stadium.

A Cheshire Police spokesman said: “The large site has potential to be redeveloped and provide important regeneration space for the town.

“With these factors in mind, the Constabulary has begun to look for alternative premises near the town centre.

“The stadium site has advantages because it is within five minutes walk of the old station, is already a well-used community facility, has parking for visitors and personnel, and can provide access to the technology needed in modern-day policing.

“The sale of the old site would generate money to pay for the relocation.”

Front-desk opening hours and services to the public would not be affected by the move.

The Constabulary is looking to introduce public contact points, in the form of computer kiosks, at locations across the Force area, which extend the available hours of contact.

They now want to hear the views of local residents.

The survey can be completed online at supportcheshirepolice.com. Printed copies are also available from Widnes Police Station.

Closing date for your views is Thursday, March 20.

Results will be reported to John Dwyer, the Police and Crime Commissioner, on Wednesday 2 April 2014. Feedback from the survey will be published on the Support Cheshire Police website the same day.

If the proposals are supported, the Constabulary would look to relocate in autumn 2014 and make savings in the current financial year. In order to ensure the process can proceed speedily if the propoal is agreed by the Police and Crime Commissioner on Wednesday 2 April 2014, a planning application will be submitted in March.