A NEW ‘modern and fit for purpose’ police base could be built under new plans.

The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner and Lancashire Constabulary are in the early stages of exploring whether to build a new base on the land which is between Victoria Park and the M65 in Nelson.

The force has expressed an interest in buying the land at Carr Road, which has been declared as ‘surplus to requirements’ by Pendle Council.

Councillors will be asked to give the council the go-ahead to negotiate terms with the police at a Pendle Council meeting on Wednesday.

Cllr Mohammed Iqbal, leader of Pendle Council, said: “We’re still at an early stage but the prospect of the land being developed into a modern, fit for purpose base for policing in Pendle is attractive.

“This would be a new premises and would act as an operational centre for the police.

“They are still very keen to keep their presence in Nelson, Colne and Barnoldswick.

“The land in question is a very prominent site and I know people have concerns about the future of it.

“This would be a police base right in the heart of the community and near to the M65.

“The land in question has been vacant for some time and I feel this new base would be a welcome boost to the local area and I’m optimistic jobs will be created from it.”

A funfair and circus has been held on the land at Carr Road for some years and approval has been given for it to be held in 2018.

The council said it is looking for a suitable alternative site for the future, but despite a full review of council land, none have been identified yet.

In a joint statement, the office of the Police and Crime Commissioner and Lancashire Constabulary, said: “The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner and Lancashire Constabulary are constantly reviewing the estate to ensure it meets operational requirements to deliver policing to the public of Lancashire.

“We are in the early stages of exploring a potential opportunity to invest in a new site on Carr Road in Nelson to build a new briefing base which would ensure modern, fit for purpose premises are available to deliver policing in the Pendle area for the future.

“We will ensure that we will maintain a police presence in Nelson, Colne and Barnoldswick town centres.

The news comes after the closure of Barnoldswick Police Station front counter last month.

It means that the nearest public enquiry desk is at Nelson Police Station, which is seven miles away.