A FLAGSHIP site in Widnes town centre could soon be transformed.

Halton councillors are set to approve plans for Widnes police station to move into John Briggs House in Gerrard Street, at a meeting this evening (Wednesday).

The executive board met behind closed doors to discuss the proposals.

Minutes of their meeting have confirmed the council intends to acquire the police station and disused magistrates court.

They recommend that the full council approve a capital programme of £350,000 for the plans to proceed.

Once the police vacate their building, the site on the corner of Milton Road and Kingsway is then set for demolition.

Halton Council leader Cllr Rob Polhill said: “The new location for the police station is nearer to the town centre and more accessible for people.

“It is on bus routes and has plenty of parking.

“It is important that the police maintain a presence in the town.

“The old police station is tired and much too big for their current needs.”

He is confident the vacated land has tremendous potential.

Clr Polhill said: “It is an iconic site. I am sure developers will see this as a great opportunity.

“Subject to approval by the full council, we will be demolishing the buildings as soon as we can.”

The site will be fenced off once the bulldozers have knocked down the two buildings.

Plans to move the police station into the town centre have won strong support from residents.

Cheshire Police and Crime Commissioner John Dwyer said 94 per cent of people approved the transfer during public consultation.

Mr Dwyer said: “I am delighted that there is public support for the move as the current police station is not fit for purpose.”

The police say it would cost around £2 million to renovate the building to a modern standard, a sum the Constabulary cannot afford.