THE future of Risley Police Station remains uncertain as the force launches a review of the local policing units (LPU) across the county.

In a Birchwood Town Council meeting earlier this year, vice chairman Cllr Ian Atkin told members how it was proposed to close the station on Delenty Drive with another base set up elsewhere in Birchwood.

Birchwood Fire Station had been discussed as a potential location or a free alternative inside the shopping centre or a community space was also to be considered.

This follows a meeting between parish councillors and the police and crime commissioner for Cheshire David Keane and chief inspector Sarah Pengelly at Warrington Town Hall in July.

It is understood Risley Police Station is currently rented from Warrington Borough Council at a cost of £60,000 a year to operate.

But a police spokesman has denied that any decisions have been made over the future of the police station near Birchwood Business Park.

He said: “As part of an existing collaboration agreement between Cheshire Police and Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, there is a commitment by both parties to provide a fit-for-purpose property portfolio based on the future operational needs of both organisations.

“This includes identifying and agreeing opportunities for co-locations across both organisations’ estates.

“In a time of continuing austerity and ongoing budget cuts to services, this review aims to deliver an estate that will be more cost-efficient to run, while remaining flexible to respond to operational needs and provide, in many cases, enhanced community presence and reassurance.

“The review is being conducted on a phased approached across the eight Local Policing Units (LPU), starting with Chester LPU.

“The review for Warrington LPU, which includes Risley Police Station, has yet to begin and no options have yet been considered.”