THE FUTURE of Blackburn's Victorian police station looks set to be decided at County Hall tomorrow.

Home Office officials confirmed earlier this year that £7.5million has been set aside for a new police station in Blackburn.

The scheme has been given top priority but bosses in the Eastern Division have been told a business plan is needed before any cash is made available.

Police chiefs have been drawing up a business plan which takes a close look at the options available, including a possible move to a purpose built station on the outskirts of Blackburn.

Other plans in the pipeline include a major revamp of the existing building and its facilities.

There are also moves to get investors from the business community involved through the controversial Private Finance Initiative. The recent changes in the constabulary have put extra pressure on the Blackburn building.

The police station is now the headquarters of a division that stretches from North Yorkshire to Greater Manchester.

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

The refurbishment was put on hold because of a shortage of cash at the Home Office but has now been put top of the list.

Lancashire Police Authority's property and capital sub-committee will discuss the options tomorrow, and is expected to choose which option to press ahead with.

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