THERE are “no firm plans” for a joint police and fire station in St Helens, Merseyside’s Police and Crime Commissioner has said.

During the last meeting of the PCC and Merseyside Police joint audit committee, members heard a report from David Bradbury following a recent visit to the newly-opened community fire and police station in Prescot.

Mr Bradbury, who is an independent member of the panel, said he was told by collaboration lead for Merseyfire Dave Watson that St Helens could move in a “similar direction” to Prescot.

Police and Crime Commissioner for Merseyside Jane Kennedy, who manages the force’s estate, told the Local Democracy Reporter Service that talks have been held with the fire service regarding the future of blue lights service collaboration in St Helens – but quashed talk of a new police station.

Ms Kennedy said: “I am regularly discussing opportunities to work more effectively with other agencies thereby saving precious resources and delivering a better service for people on Merseyside.

“Part of this entails sharing our plans for the future with all other emergency services and community safety partners.

“While a constant dialogue is taking place, and St Helens is often one of the areas for discussion, there are no firm plans regarding the police estate at this stage.”

While Merseyside Police has not publicly indicated that it intends to move from its College Street facility – which is now without an operational custody suite – Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority has approved plans to build a new “super station” in the town centre.

In its Service Delivery Plan for 2018-2019, one of its key priorities is to complete feasibility study and detailed costing exercise for a new-build fire station in St Helens during the financial year.

A Merseyside Fire and Rescue spokesman said: “Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service is always seeking ways to build upon our already close working with colleagues across all emergency services to increase efficiency and effectiveness with the ultimate aim of keeping people across Merseyside safe from harm.”