VISITORS were able to see inside the new Widnes police station on Saturday.

Staff were on hand to show people around and answer questions during an open day.

Around 120 staff are now based in the former Halton Council building at John Briggs House in Gerard Street.

The move follows public consultation after the old multi-storey police station in Milton Road was deemed rundown and too large.

Cheshire Police say it would have cost around £2 million to renovate.

The newly open plan offices are now home for neighbourhood response officers, CID, police community support officers and special constables.

Chief Constable Simon Byrne and Police and Crime Commissioner John Dwyer welcomed Halton Mayor Cllr Ellen Cargill and her consort and husband, Dave.

Chief Inspector Richard Rees said: “This was an enjoyable and successful event.

“I was really pleased with the amount of people that attended. More than 200 visitors came.

“They were really interested in what we had to say and they seemed to really enjoy their visit to the police station.

“Events like this are important in developing community engagement.”

Various police vehicles were on show and members of the public were able to meet the dog handling team.

Children had fun trying on police uniforms.

There were various stalls and stands run by partner agencies.