A NEW multi-million pound police briefing centre bringing officers from Accrington, Nelson and Colne together could be coming to a site off the M65.

Plans have been submitted to Pendle Council on behalf of Lancashire Constabulary for the three-storey office building, multi-storey car park and communications mast on land used for the fair on Carr Road in Nelson, formerly the Seedhill home of Nelson FC.

The Pendle Briefing Base will accommodate 107 operational staff and 70 administrative support staff across a range of shifts.

The move has been described as a ‘coup’ for the town.

The planning documents said that the new centre would relocate the current police stations in Nelson, Colne and Accrington.

It said: “The initial spaces and departments required for the force operation of services are to be maintained, while additional flexible space is to be provided for future expansion.

“The existing Nelson, Colne and Accrington stations potentially could be closed and disposed of.

“However, the police uplift announced by government means that the future for these buildings may change or be reviewed.”

The station will be manned 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Cllr Mo Iqbal, leader of Pendle Council, said: “It is a real coup for the council to be able to get this."

It is proposed the site will become occupied in 2022.

Councillors from the Nelson area committee delegated approval to the planning manager last month.

Cllr Miles Parkinson, leader of Hyndburn Council, expressed fears about policing leaving Accrington.

He said: “I have no issue about back office functions going to Nelson but policing is a different matter and taking police off the streets in Hyndburn and in the community and have places for people report things in the area is not on as it is essential."

Clive Grunshaw, Lancashire's Police and Crime Commissioner said: "No decision has been made on the closure of any stations within the east of the county or indeed across the entire force area and no formal proposals have been made.

"We consistently review the estate across the whole of Lancashire to ensure it meets the standards required and the operational needs of Lancashire Constabulary, to help tackle crime and keep people safe."