Cannock Police Station to be modernised

Cannock Police Station will be modernised under new plans revealed today. The building is to get reinforced doors, a new roof and its unsightly radio mast will be removed.

Staffordshire Police said the changes would make the Wolverhampton Road site more secure and attractive.

They have now submitted the proposal to planning bosses at Cannock Chase District Council. Force spokeswoman Liz McGinn said there was no issue surrounding the current security of the station but the building needed a general upgrade.

"It's just that some of the doors are old and need replacing." she said.

"We don't anticipate there will be any disruption and it will remain open throughout."

The radio mast is 31ft tall and is visible from the town centre. It has long been branded an eyesore.

Angela Grove, senior planning officer at the council, said: "Removal of the roof-top radio mast will be a benefit and no adverse impact on the conservation area is anticipated from the other proposed alterations."

Staffordshire Police said it also wanted to remove some of the original asbestos roofing.

Its official planning report reads: "The proposed works and operations are required at the site to enable a more effective and efficient use of the building whilst strengthening and enhancing its appearance within the street scene.

"The roof requires re-roofing as it is currently in poor condition. At present there are several rooflights, however a number of these are deteriorating and becoming defunct.

"This area of the building is currently used for storage and as such the replacement of the shutter doors with brickwork and secure doors would enable this area to be better used."

There are no plans to change access to the site from Queen Street.

By Harry Gottschalk