A PROMISE has been made that a police presence will be retained despite the station closing. 

Ulverston Police Station is set to close in Autumn as it has been deemed "no longer fit for purpose".

Ulverston officers will then be based at the new multi-million pound headquarters in Andrews Way, Barrow when it opens on September 19. 

At the Ulverston Town Council meeting last night it was announced that the police force will be renting out office space at the Ulverston Business Centre on New Market Street to retain a presence in the town. 

The new police station, which has cost more than £8m, will not only replace the Ulverston station but the old station in Market Street, Barrow. 

The new base will be at the Ulverston Business Centre on New Market Street and will be where problem-solving staff and PCSOs will work from. 

The facility also includes a private interview room for officers to meet members of the public by appointment. 

Police will be using the new facility from Monday September 14. The Constabulary are also in advanced negotiations to open a police desk in the box office at the Coronation Hall.  

Superintendent Rob O'Connor said: “We are delighted to announce that we have secured a base where staff will work from to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour within Ulverston and the surrounding area. 

"The new facilities will enable officers and PCSOs a base to meet people by appointment at a mutually convenient time. 

“In addition to the police base, officers and PCSOs will also be running daily police desks, Monday to Friday, at a town centre base to maintain an effective and visible policing presence in Ulverston. 

"This will enable members of the public further opportunity to discuss issues that matter to them.

“These decisions have been taken due to the Constabulary’s commitment to providing the best possible policing service to the Ulverston community.”

Archie Workman, the managing director Ulverston Business Centre said: "We are absolutely delighted that the police are moving in here. 

"They are taking three rooms and no one has ever done that before. We are very pleased to see the police being based here, right in the heart of the town and the business hub. 

"I have also been told that they will be having an interview room for people to voluntarily come and give a statement so they have got the capability to record statements here." 

Councillor Colin Pickthall voiced his concerns about a reduced number of police officers in the town. 

He said: "If they are reducing to such a small level the number of police officers on the basis that the crime figures had gone down then the crime will probably go up when the knowledge that they are fewer police officers gets out. 

"It's important that they have a presence in Ulverston, it's absolutely vital as it dissuades people from breaking the law."