POLICE Sergeant Nick Rowan would have loved Hindley Police Station. Built in 1902, the sandstone frontage has a picture-postcard look which wouldn't look out of place on TV's 'Heartbeat'.

It isn't difficult to imagine Ps Rowan having a friendly chat with Greengrass and Alfred over the station counter, just like in the TV soap series.

But modern-day policing has moved on since the days of whistle-blowing bobbies.

A labyrinth of narrow passage-ways link echoing rooms, most crying out for redecoration and refurbishment. And facilities for the disabled are sadly lacking.

For Hindley people the station means enquiry counter assistant Joy Sharples.

The Police Authority view it as an underused facility which is a drain on resources, costing money which would be better spent elsewhere.

Local lady Joy (pictured with Ch Insp Brian Wroe) gave her view of the Castle Hill outpost.

She said:"We get busy some days, but we are a bit isolated here, out of the way. If people call at the station I am the first person they see. "

And if Hindley station closes that situation would continue with Joy handling enquiries and then relaying details to operational control.

Joy says:"Hindley is a traditional, old police station but basically it's uneconomical. A new post nearer the town centre would make sense and be more accessible."

In real terms Hindley isn't full of policemen waiting to rush out to answer the public's cry for help, nor have the cells been used in anger for a good few years.

The Police Authority feels the same service could be provided from a town centre post at a fraction of the expense of maintaining Castle Hill. FORCE property review proposals for Leigh sub-Division, feasible within the current financial year:

Hindley - close and sell and acquire new post with enquiry counter.

Golborne - close and sell and acquire new post

Lowton (closed) - sell property and serve from Golborne

Within 10 years:

Build a new deployment depot at Atherton. Close and sell Atherton post.

Tyldesley - to become uniform support services building and accommodate Tactical Aid Unit. Retain public enquiry counter.

An additional police post would be established in Astley.

Plans include retaining Leigh sub-division headquarters but closing Wigan Division HQ and replaced by a new building at Robin Park. YOUR feelings on the Police Authority proposals are welcomed.

The Journal and GMPA welcome your views on restructuring plans.

Write to us NOW at: Police Review, Editorial Dept., The Journal, 44/46 Railway Road, Leigh, WN7 4ATor email us on mryding@lancashire.newsquest.co.uk

As part of the consultative process you can pass your comments to: The Clerk to GMPA, Salford Civic Centre, Chorley Road, Swinton, M27 4AE by June 30.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.