SECURITY at Warrington bus station could cost the council £347,750 over the next five years.

Warrington Borough Council is paying Step Up Security Ltd to deliver services at the site, off Winwick Street.

However, it will deliver a £20,000-a-year saving on the previous contract.

The contract, which spans from November 2018 to October 2021, is for an initial three-year period but there is an option to extend it beyond October 2021 by two further 12-month periods.

If the services are carried out for five years, it will cost the authority £347,750.

As part of the agreement, the contract will be reviewed in October this year.

The bus station, which was built in conjunction with the extension and upgrade of the adjoining Golden Square Shopping Centre, opened in August 2006.

The services will comprise general security to the facility between 5am and 11.30pm from Monday to Saturday and between 8am and 6pm on Sundays and public holidays.

A council spokesman said: “The annual costs payable for the service under the recently commenced contract represent a significant saving of more than £20,000 per annum on the previous contract.

“The tender for the service, which included both quality and price considerations, attracted a high degree of interest – with over 20 bids received.

“The successful supplier was appointed following a selection process, which included an interview stage.

“The contract value figure would be the council’s total exposure for a five-year period – as the contract is for an initial three years, with options to extend beyond October 2021 for two further 12-month periods.”