MERSEYSIDE’S first community police station has been unveiled at Hoylake.

The new facility replaces the former station at Queens Road, which is to be sold-off.

The district’s local neighbourhood police team will run a weekly surgery at the community centre-based unit in Hoyle Road.

Their surgeries will be for at least two hours every week, with some day time and some evening surgeries. Opening hours will be publicised at the centre, on local billboards and through the force’s website.

Speaking at the launch, police and crime commissioner Jane Kennedy said: “The stations are designed to help the public to feel comfortable about reporting any problems in their area such as anti-social behaviour.

“We are at a time when are officers need more support from the public.

“There are roughly 70 classic Merseyside police stations which are expensive to maintain.

“The cost of maintaining them would lead to job cuts as the budget would not stretch that far."

Merseyside Police’s Area Commander for Wirral John Martin said: “Members of the public frequently tell us that they want to see our officers at the heart of the community and this is where they will be.

“The fact that the community centre is already a very popular resource and well used by local groups and organisations also means that we will have to opportunity to work alongside our partners to offer a comprehensive service.”

“I hope that everyone will take advantage of this new facility.”

There are plans in the pipeline to open community police stations in Moreton and Rock Ferry.

The crime commissioner also expressed hope that a unit could be opened at Heswall fire station.