Custody cells to shut at police base

Weekday closure part of pilot scheme
THE future of the cells at Chadderton Police Station are in doubt — only eight years after the station opened.

A pilot scheme to close the custody suite at the Broadgate station on weekdays started on Friday, part of a review of custody suites open 24 hours a day at 10 stations in the GMP’s area.

When the 16 cells at Chadderton are not in use, most prisoners will be taken to Ashton police station.

The suite will be open at weekends and will reopen during the week if there is demand. The station’s inquiry counter will not be affected.

A spokeswoman for Greater Manchester Police said there was no timescale for how long the pilot would last, but that the results would be reviewed by chief officers.

Supt Alan Greene added: “Following the pilot, the closure will be evaluated and we will decide on the best way forward. At this stage no decision has been made to permanently close Chadderton custody suite.”