ACCRINGTON’S new £500,000 town centre police station has opened its doors.

The Broadway-based station offers a front counter service for residents to report concerns to the town’s bobbies.

The new station was opened yesterday by Lancashire police and crime commissioner Clive Grunshaw.

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Mr Grunshaw said: “We have known for a long time that Accrington was in need of a new police station and I am delighted this essential facility is now up and running in the town centre.

“Buildings do not catch criminals but this one-off investment of £500,000 will cut costs in the long run, meaning savings can be reinvested in the frontline.

“As well as giving officers the resources they need to keep Lancashire safe, this investment will benefit the wider area and I am sure the new station will be a welcome addition to the town.”

It was decided to move to the previously vacant retail unit, after it became clear it would be too costly to upgrade the former Spring Gardens site, just under half a mile away, to an acceptable standard.

The move is said to save the police more than £50,000 a year and will enable them to provide a visible police presence in the heart of Accrington.

Chief Superintendent Matt Horn, commander for East Division, said: “This is a welcome replacement for an out of date and costly building and reinforces our policing commitment to the people of Accrington and the surrounding areas.”

As well as a public enquiries desk, the new site provides a base for the local policing team, hot-desking space for response officers and parking for police vehicles and patrol bikes.

The old police station neighbouring Hyndburn Magistrates Court closed on Saturday ahead of the new station opening for the first time at 9am yesterday.

The new station is being leased by Lancashire Constabulary from Hyndburn Council.

Cllr Miles Parkinson, Hyndburn Council leader, said: “I’m very pleased that the police station is now in the town centre on Broadway and that residents have somewhere central where they can easily access the police and other services.”

The new enquiry desk will open between 9am and 8pm seven days a week with the neighbourhood policing team working from the new base.