Wirral police ‘astounded’ at negative response to £30m command centre plan for Birkenhead

Oct 15 2008 by Sue McCann, Birkenhead News

harry smith

MERSEYSIDE Police Authority are shocked by the negative response regarding plans to build a £30m command centre in Birkenhead.

The Rivers Site, near Beaufort Road, Birkenhead, has been earmarked to build an area command centre to replace Laird Street and Birkenhead police stations, after they were found to be the least “fit for purpose” stations in Merseyside.

Wirral is the first area in Merseyside to receive the investment as part of a 15-year strategy plan by the MPA.

Even though this move, if approved, will lead to major investment in the policing and infrastructure of Wirral, some councillors were concerned it may downgrade other police stations on the peninsula.

Liscard councillor, Leah Fraser, said: “I am worried Wallasey and Moreton’s role will decrease in the future if everything is based in Birkenhead.

“Why should Birkenhead get everything?

“I am told patrol cars will be based there and am concerned this will mean longer response times to crime in Wallasey.

“I think there are still lots of unanswered questions.”

MPA treasurer Paul Johnson said: “We are astounded by some of the responses to our proposed plans.

“If anything we thought other areas in Merseyside would wonder why they weren’t getting the investment first.

“We basically want to replace two grotty police stations with a brand new state-of-the-art one.

“This would improve facilities, communication and intelligence within Wirral’s police force.

“If the centre is built it will be a central hub for policing but will not replace any other stations other than the two in Birkenhead.

“We are also in discussions about having more cop shops throughout the area.

“If approved this development could be here within three years.”

Bidston and St James councillor Harry Smith said: “I am really pleased with these proposals, if approved, I think it will be a big boost for the whole of Wirral.”