CHESHIRE Police have confirmed that Risley Police Station will close and move into Birchwood Fire Station.

The force launched a consultation with members of the public earlier this year over proposals to relocate its services around half a mile from the current base on Delenty Drive to the Ordnance Avenue fire station.

Risley Police Station’s helpdesk will also be relocated to Warrington Police Station on Arpley Street in the town centre under the plans.

Cheshire police and crime commissioner David Keane approved the move at Cheshire Police’s joint management board meeting yesterday, Wednesday.

He said: “The relocation of the Risley police base will provide an increased police presence for local residents in a more accessible location.

Warrington Guardian:

Birchwood Fire Station - picture by Google Maps

“It will also provide improved facilities for officers and PCSOs to work from and conduct meetings with members of the public.

“The relocation of the helpdesk to Warrington will ensure local residents can access more services during longer opening hours.

“As part of this decision, I have asked that the constabulary put in place a plan to ensure the new police base offers even more opportunities for residents to have face-to-face interaction with officers.”

Cheshire Police believes that the current police station building is ‘too large and requires considerable investment’, with the move set to save nearly £500,000 over the next decades.

And for every 100 people who access the helpdesk at Warrington Police Station, only two use Risley's.

The force’s assistant chief officer Julie Gill added: “The decision supports the force’s commitment for a police estate that is fit for the future based on operational need and to have a police service connected with its local communities.

“The decision will retain a police base within the local community at Birchwood Fire Station and achieve cost savings that can be re-invested into neighbourhood policing.”