Newton-le-Willows is set to see more police officers out in the community following the opening of a brand new police station in the town – and a significant expansion of the local neighbourhood policing team.
The team has more than doubled in size, growing from eight police officers and five PCSOs to 18 officers and nine PCSOs. Inspector Stacey Pope, who leads the Neighbourhood Policing Team, said the growth means a more visible and accessible presence for local people.
“The additional officers joining the team this week mean we will have more officers out in the community – we can be more visible and more accessible. We will have a greater capacity to prevent and tackle crime and anti-social behaviour,” she said.
The new station, located at the junction of Market Street and Peel Street, replaces the outdated 1970s facility. It was shaped by extensive community consultation and includes a welcoming public enquiry office, modern meeting spaces and energy-efficient technology in line with Merseyside Police’s sustainability goals.
Inspector Pope added: “This new station gives our officers the modern facilities they need and places us right at the heart of the community, allowing us to be more responsive to the issues that matter most to local people.”
Merseyside Police Commissioner Emily Spurrell said: “Whenever I am out on community walkabouts, the message I hear time and time again from residents is clear: people want to see more officers out on our streets. The opening of the new police station in Newton-le-Willows and the expansion of the Neighbourhood Policing Team is a direct response to that call and places officers firmly at the heart of the community, ensuring local people have a visible, approachable policing presence they know and trust.”
The station is now fully operational, with the new team already deployed from the new base.