New police station opens (From Warrington Guardian)

New police station opens

10:30am Thursday 21st March 2013 in News

PENKETH Police Station was officially opened on Monday with officials pledging it will enable police to better fight crime in the area.

Insp Rob Dickinson heads Warrington West NPU which is based at the new station on Meeting Lane.

He said: “Hopefully the increased police presence around the new police station will give people a sense of reassurance and increase our visibility and accessibility. “Essentially we have been given the tools to do the job - it's up to us now to deliver.”

Former Big Brother contestants Lisa Appleton and Mario Marconi attended the opening.

They are patrons of the Shannon Bradshaw Trust, which is also based at the police station.

Patti Bradshaw, from the charity, said she was delighted to finally get the keys to the community centre named in memory of her daughter.

The former Sacred Heart Primary School pupil died aged seven after being diagnosed with bone marrow condition aplastic anaemia in 2002 and her family have worked ever since to help children with life-threatening conditions.

Patti said: “The community centre won't be open until April 2 to the public but it gave everyone a chance to see what the centre looked like and what we are all about.”

Penketh Police Station has been opened to replace Great Sankey Police Station, which closed in December after 104 years.

The new modern facility, owned by Warrington Borough Council, is bigger, and accommodates more staff.

John Dwyer, Police and Crime Commisioner for Cheshire, cut the ribbon on Monday.

He said: "I was very happy to open Penketh Police Station, and want to thank all of the staff that have made the transition a smooth one.

I think sharing buildings in this way is fantastic.

“It′s cost effective, helps us to make savings, and gives the public a fit for purpose station with a police help desk and private interview room.

We moved here because the neighbourhood policing team had grown, and to better serve the community.”