by Trevor Baxter
MOSSLEY POLICE Station’s expected closure next year should not lead to a cut in the town’s crime fighters.
Negotiations have started for services to be transferred 100 yards away to Mossley Fire Station and the proposed move has received the backing of politicians and fire service bosses.
Greater Manchester Police’s Argyle Street premises in top Mossley no longer operate a front counter service.
But they are used as a base by PC Martin Dench and PCSO’s, Karl Lisic and Wayne Gordon.
However, the building is one of six earmarked for closure as GMP look to slash running costs.
Mossley Station Manager Bob Pownell told the Independent: “We have plenty of space and so they (the police) have been offered a room in the fire station.
“There’s no time scale at this stage but maybe early next year. Negotiations are still taking place.”
Mossley Councillor Frank Travis added: “Moving to the Fire Station will not take anything away from the police operation. It will be helpful for them to work together.
“Fire stations have become much more community based anyway. The resources of fire and rescue plus the police share a lot of commonality.
“We see it as a positive move. We are not a high crime area but there is degree of comfort that there is a police station in the midst of the community.”
Also on the station hit list are: Plant Hill (Blackley), Ramsbottom, Northenden, Failsworth and Radcliffe.
Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Lloyd said: “Police officers don’t need to be based in police stations in order to deliver local policing.
“I’ve been reassured there will no impact on the police service provided to local people should these buildings be sold and I welcome feedback from councillors, MPs and communities.
“In Radcliffe and Ramsbottom, plans are underway for officers to use the local libraries and in Mossley, GMP is working with the fire service to co-locate in Mossley fire station.”