NEWS that crime suspects from mid Cheshire are to be catered for in the area has been welcomed by a leading solicitor.

Chris Johnson, who works with Northwich and Winsford-based law firm Moss & Haselhurst, says he is relieved that suspects will go through the custody process here rather than having to travel to alternative sites in Chester and Runcorn.

He was speaking after it was announced that a purpose-built custody centre for crime suspects in Middlewich has moved a step closer.

Contracts have been signed to provide the new Cheshire Constabulary facilities - marking the final stage in the custody project process before actual building work can start.

Construction of the new centre in Middlewich - with the other facilities planned for Runcorn and Chester -- is due to start in January with completion expected next October.

The signing of the contract by Cheshire Police Authority and the constabulary takes partnership working on to a new level under the Private Finance Initiative (PFI).

A police authority spokesman said: "The existing custody facilities are based in police stations and do not meet current Health and Safety standards. We investigated various options before embarking upon the current project for the three centralised custody facilities.

"Detailed consideration was given to improving the current facilities but as most of the current building stock dates back to the 1960s and earlier, this option was not viable.

"The extensive work needed to extend and update these buildings was not practical and would not meet any future demands for custody facilities."

The three sites for the new facilities meet the design criteria set down by the Home Office, which enabled the police authority to secure Government funding towards the project.

Mr Johnson said: "I am quite relieved it is going to be Middlewich. It is a good thing that this is the case rather than having to have people travelling to Chester.

"I am relieved to hear that the rumours about people having to travel elsewhere have been proven wrong."

Police authority chairman Peter Nurse said: "The new custody services will allow the chief constable to minimise the time that his officers spend in dealing with offenders under arrest.

Many of the duties carried out by police officers and staff will be run by our partner in the new facilities."

It is expected that the new sites will also provide improved conditions for all who work in custody in addition to providing the latest technology for the processing of detainees and the investigation of crime.

The contract covers the provision of services, operation and maintenance of the sites for the next 30 years.

jbrakell@guardiangrp.co.uk