LEIGH fire station will become a one-stop shop for front line operations to boost service to the community.

Work has started on a £3m development which will see the amalgamation of the Greater Manchester Fire Service workshops, stores, breathing apparatus maintenance and recovery functions integrated at the existing driver training centre at the St Helens Road HQ.

The scheme, contracted to Bluestone PLC, incorporates the construction of a technical services centre in an extension to the existing building.

It will include an additional high bay single storey vehicle maintenance workshop, a further two-storey vehicle extension which has a garage with office and warehousing on the first floor.

Work is scheduled for completion in April 2003.

Chairman of the Fire Authority, Bedford-Astley Councillor Fred Walker, said: "The new facility and the creation of a one-stop shop will provide improved working conditions for many of our employees and greater cost effectiveness in the provision of support services to the front line firefighting operations."