LANCASHIRE Police bosses have started considering sites for a new town centre police station when Blackburn Northgate premises closes.

The new town centre station will replace the existing building when the planned new multi-million pound station is built at Whitebirk.

Bosses say the process of choosing premises in Blackburn is in the early stages.

They are looking at a number of possible sites in the town centre and are negotiating with Blackburn with Darwen Council and private owners with a view to purchase and development.

David Brindle, Lancashire Constabulary's Head of Corporate Services, said: "We are looking at sites but are in the very early stages. We are keeping an open minds about any possible sites in the town centre, of which there are a number. Work on the new station at Whitebirk should begin at the end of this month and should take no more than a year to complete.

"Within the same time scale we are hoping we will be developing the new town centre police station."

Exactly how the town centre site will operate has yet to be decided, but Mr Brindle said it would be manned around the clock, though not necessarily open to members of the public.

The Victorian listed building in Northgate will be sold.