PUBLIC consultation is underway on plans for two new community police stations in Wirral.

Police Commissioner Jane Kennedy has identified potential sites in Birkenhead and Woodchurch Estate and is asking people for their feedback.

The proposals are part of a 10-year investment plan which aims to modernise Merseyside's police stations and facilities, while reducing the annual cost of running them.

If approved the planned community stations would replace old, inefficient and expensive stations which are already closed to the public, saving money on running costs which can be put into frontline policing.

The suggested locations for two new stations are:

  • The Conway Centre in Conway Street Birkenhead - replacing the access point in Pyramids Shopping Centre which has not been staffed since 2011.
  • Carrbridge Community Centre, Woodchurch Estate – to replace Upton Police Station which has been closed since to the public January 2012.

Community police stations have already opened in Hoylake, at Moreton Library and One Stop Shop, the St James Centre in Laird Street and the Rock Ferry Centre.

Jane Kennedy said: "Four Community Police Stations are already in operation on the Wirral, helping to make neighbourhood policing teams more accessible to local people.

"We are now in a position to offer the same kind of service to people living in Birkenhead and on the Woodchurch Estate and so I want to ask local people to have their say on exactly where they would like their local police station to be located.

"I think we've found two excellent locations which will see Merseyside Police neighbourhood teams based in really central venues, in buildings which are already busy local hubs serving their communities.

"It is vital we put these Community Police Stations in the best place for the people they serve so I really want people to let me know if we've got it right.

"These proposals are about ensuring Merseyside Police is in the best possible position to serve the public and fight crime today and in the future.

"While these proposals are driven by the need to save money and protect officer's jobs, they have provided a unique opportunity to improve our stations and buildings and make Merseyside Police even more accessible to people in our region.

"The reality is that these changes are long overdue".

Further consultation will take place as additional sites in Wirral are identified.

To comment on the proposal, visit an online survey at surveymonkey.co.uk/r/WirralCPSs

The consultation ends at 5pm on Friday, June 23.

The feedback will be reviewed to see whether local people are happy for her to proceed with the new stations.