Station revamp given go-ahead

Chadderton Police Station

REDEVELOPMENT of Chadderton police station will go ahead after Oldham Council planning committee approved proposals last night.

This month the Chronicle reported the stations public enquiry counter would close following a consultation run by GMP as they sought to learn how the public contact the force and provide the most effective service possible.

The building will be used as additional office accommodation and support facilities by GMP and the extension will also increase the number of existing employees from 150 to 200 which brings potential economic benefits.

The development will see the demolition of the existing single-storey rear element of the station, extending the area north and providing an additional wing of office accommodation at first-floor level.

The main vehicle entrance gates to the secure yard are to be changed from swing gates to electrical operated sliding gates and alterations to the boundary will see three strains of razor wire above the existing fence along Gateway Crescent, Broadgate and the Rochdale Canal.

Two security bollards will be erected, one in front of the staff pedestrian entrance and one within the secure yard.

Demand at Chadderton was among the lowest in Greater Manchester with an average of two people visiting a day and it was one of 10 of GMP's 22 enquiry counters which will close from February 27.

Altrincham, Fred Perry House in Stockport, Horwich, Hyde, Leigh, Middleton, Pendleton, Whitefield and Wythenshawe will also close in the new year.

Despite the closure, officer numbers will not change in any of these areas and the public will still be able to visit the police station for pre-arranged appointments and neighbourhood meetings will continue to take place.