A NEW police station planned for an old mill site has been given the thumbs-up.

Part of the prime Howe Bridge Mills site alongside Gloucester Street has been earmarked for a station now a supermarket scheme has been shelved.

Wigan Council and Greater Manchester Police agree the site is "ideal" according to Strategy Committee Chairman and Metro Leader, Cllr Peter Smith Smith, who said: "As part of a major review of their buildings throughout Greater Manchester the police have been looking at building a new station in Atherton, but there has been a lively debate about the best location."

"We have now agreed with them that this town centre site, next to the probation service offices is ideal."

Cllr Susan Loudon, of Atherton, thinks the idea of a new station can only be good news for the town.

She says: "Everybody recognises the existing police station on Bag Lane is not ideal, especially for disabled people, but there has been some trouble in finding the right site for a new building. This site in the town centre and will be easily accesssible for members of the public.

"The current one is like a garage with just four rooms, the door is so narrow that it is impossible for wheelchairs to get through.

"The new station will be bigger and better for wheelchair access."

She said other sites had been considered but all had drawbacks and just when the mill site was highlighted it became the subject of a supermarket planning application.

When building plans were blocked the authoroities "swooped in".

If plans go smoothly work on the new station would be expected to start next year and should be finished by 2003.

Cllr Loudon added: "I'm especially pleased that there will be a public counter in the proposed new building, which wouldn't have been the case with some of the sites".