Plans to close helpdesk at Wilmslow Police Station approved following public consultation

Following a public consultation plans to close the helpdesk at Wilmslow Police Station as part of a state-of-the-art redevelopment scheme have been approved.

Currently the station, on Hawthorn Street, is too big for current and future operational use.

The plans will 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, the plans for Wilmslow Police Station did not include a helpdesk - but the services it provides will still be available at Wilmslow via an exterior direct dial phone that connects directly to the police control room.

Eastern Area Commander, Superintendent Peter Crowcroft, said: “We have carefully considered all the feedback that we have received from the public,

“The feedback received from our communities has helped us take a step closer to realising our exciting plans for a new police station on the same site.

“The decision will allow us to move forward our 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.”

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.

However, we do recognise that people will still want to speak to someone face-to-face, so there are regular community surgeries at Wilmslow Library, Dean Row Centre, Handforth Youth Centre and Festival Hall in Alderley Edge.

John Dwyer, Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire, said: “I’m grateful to every resident who took the time to share their views on this proposal for a new state-of-the-art police station in Wilmslow.

“In my Police and Crime Plan I talk about delivering a modern police service and this is a perfect example of what that means: Fit for purpose buildings that meet the needs of police staff and the communities they serve, allowing the Constabulary to give the best possible service to the public.”

Anyone can report a crime, incident or looking to seek advice from the police can do so by reporting on the Cheshire Police website, 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.