Police counter closes

COUNTER CLOSURE . . .Chadderton Police station on Broadgate.

CHADDERTON Police station's public inquiry counter shut for the final time yesterday with a redevelopment of the building planned for the future.

Following a consultation, GMP decided to shut the inquiry counter and were granted permission to redevelop the building, which will be used as additional office accommodation and support facilities.

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.

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