A SPECIAL party will be held to officially mark the launch of Prestwich Police Station to the community.

After many years of wishing and campaigning for the police station to be relocated from the southern end of Bury New Road to the centre of Prestwich Village, the new station will be formally opened on Saturday, October 19.

Initial plans were to open the station, in Fairfax Road, next Monday, October 7 but last minute jobs to get the building ready for action has caused a slight delay.

Insp David Jones said: "We have arranged an official launch for October 19 but I hope to have the door open to the public a day or two before that at least."

The Mayor of Bury, Coun John Smith, has been invited along to cut the ribbon along with various Prestwich councillors.

The launch will take place in the new station, which is adjacent to the Citizen's Advice Bureau, from 6pm.