Cheshire Constabulary is asking for residents feedback on plans to redevelop Wilmslow Police Station.
Currently the station, on Brunswick Street, is largely unoccupied as it is too big for current and future operational use.
A new proposal being put forward would see the current station redeveloped to create a new, fit for purpose zero carbon station at the site with a view to become fully operational in around Summer 2023.
The new station will not only help save tens of thousands of pounds in both utilities and maintenance costs but will also allow the Constabulary to sell the remainder of the unused land and reinvest any money back into local policing to help make Cheshire a safer place to work and visit.
Having looked at visiting patterns to the station over the last few years, there is generally less than 20 visitors per week and not all of these visitors require police service.
As such, looking to the future, the plans for Wilmslow Police Station do not include a helpdesk – but the services they provide will still be at Wilmslow via an exterior direct dial phone that connects directly to the police control room.
For those wanting to speak to someone face-to-face, there are regular community surgeries at Wilmslow Library, Dean Row Centre, Handforth Youth Centre and Festival Hall in Alderley Edge.
Local policing Superintendent Peter Crowcroft said: “I would like to reassure the public that these proposals will not reduce the level of service or the current police presence in Wilmslow.
“We would welcome any feedback from the public on these proposals as it is important for us to hear what our communities want.
“The current proposals supports the force’s commitment for an estate that is fit for the future based on operational needs and to have a police service that is truly connected with its local communities.
“The decision will retain a police station within the local community and achieve cost savings that can be re-invested into neighbourhood policing.”
More people than ever are now choosing to contact the force by phone or via online services and the Constabulary are looking to prioritise resources in these key areas in order to meet the demand from the public.
John Dwyer, Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire, said: “The Constabulary and I share a long term commitment to a policing presence in Wilmslow and these proposals demonstrate our determination that residents get the very best from us.
“Wilmslow deserves a state of the art station that is fit for the force that serves you. We want to hear your feedback as it’s vital that we remain engaged with our communities, so make sure you have your say.”
Anyone can report a crime, incident or looking to seek advice from the police can do so by reporting online here, calling non-emergency service 101 or direct general enquiries through the Cheshire Police Facebook and Twitter accounts.
In the case of an emergency or threat to life, always dial 999.
To have your say on the proposals please visit our website.
