HOME office officials have confirmed that millions of pounds have been set aside for a new police station in Blackburn.

Around £7.5 million will be spent on relocating or refurbishing Blackburn's ageing station in the next four years.

Plans were drawn up several years ago because of cramped conditions at the Northgate building.

Police chiefs have been growing increasingly worried that changes to the funding system could halt the bid for cash backing for the project.

Officials confirmed the money will become available over the next four years when Steve Hodkinson, the force's property manager, visited the Home Office. The police are looking at several options, including a complete refurbishment of the existing building or a move to a site on the fringes of the town centre.

Before the cash is handed over, the police would have to look at involving business in the scheme through the Private Finance Initiative.

If the public sector does get involved in the project then a move out of town would be the most likely option to go ahead.

The Home Office is also thought to favour a move to a purpose built building on the outskirts of town, probably on an industrial estates close to the motorway network.

The police force would have to draw up a detailed business plan before a final decision was made.

The plan, which will take a close look at the options open to the force, has to be drawn up by the end of February.

And the Home Office is likely to make a decision by the end of March.

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