HALF a million pounds will be ploughed into moving Accrington Police Station.

Lancashire’s Police and Crime Commissioner has announced plans to move the station into a former coffee shop and empty retail unit in Broadway.

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The move, from Spring Gardens just under half a mile away, will save the police force over £50,000 a year and provide a visible police presence in the heart of Accrington.

The move will also provide a base for the Neighbourhood Policing Team, a public access point, hot-desk space for immediate response officers, parking for police vehicles and patrol bikes.

Clive Grunshaw, Lancashire’s Police and Crime Commissioner said: “The need for a new police station was identified some time ago when it became clear the current premises would be too costly to upgrade.

“I will be investing £500,000 converting the new premises and ensuring they are equipped with appropriate communications, for example.

He added: “This is a one-off cost and will provide an essential facility in the town, improving the visible policing presence and helping to regenerate the town centre.

“Buildings don’t catch criminals, but there is no doubt the town centre station will be a welcome addition to the area.”

The current station has been described by Mr Grunshaw’s department as inefficient and outdated for modern policing needs and would require considerable investment to bring them up to standard.

East divisional commander Chris Bithell said: “There will be no change to operational policing in the town and residents will still receive the same high standards of policing they are used to.

He added: “The relocation is a positive move as the new neighbourhood police station will be around half a mile from its previous base but will be more accessible in the heart of the town centre.”

The new station will be leased from Hyndburn Council.

Councillor Parkinson said: “I’m delighted that the commissioner has worked with us to relocate the service. Having the new police station on Broadway will be great for public access and it will also add positively to the town centre.

“This is an example of another significant investment for Accrington town centre alongside the new bus station that is currently being built and the town centre heritage initiative which will start in the next year or so.”

The police’s current base neighbours Hyndburn Magistrates Court.