ST Helens North MP Conor McGinn has welcomed the increased opening hours at Newton-le-Willows police station, following a neighbourhood campaign.

In February 2019, Merseyside Police announced that because of staff shortages it was considering reduced opening hours at a number of stations in the borough, including Newton-le-Willows police station which had proposed opening hours of 8am to 4pm on a Monday and 9am to 4pm on a Friday, only.

This was while the force sought to recruit additional staff.

This was met with criticism from the community and councillors, who launched a campaign against the potential change.

Earlier this month, Merseyside Police announced that due to residents views, and a new intake of recruits, the general enquiry office at Newton-le-Willows will now be open from 10am and 6pm Monday to Friday.

Commenting on this, MP Conor McGinn, whose constituency covers Newton-le-Willows, said: "This announcement will be warmly welcomed by the community in Newton-le-Willows and Earlestown.

"I pay tribute to local people, community groups and local Labour councillors who came together to campaign against the vastly-reduced opening hours proposed for the town’s police station.

"I also want to thank Andy Cooke, the Chief Constable of Merseyside Police, for listening to our concerns and for working constructively with me and St Helens Borough Council to find a resolution.

"We are proud and protective of our police presence in St Helens borough.

"At a challenging time for policing, I know local people will continue to give full support to those men and women in blue uniform who give our community such brave and dedicated service."

The force says the public will have access to Community Police Stations that have been introduced across Merseyside to provide an additional service in our local communities.

In St Helens these will be at:

St Helens Police Station between 10am and 6pm Monday to Saturday,

Greenbase, Helena West, Queensland Place from 9am to 10am and 1pm to 2pm Monday and Thursday

Rainford Village Hall, Church Road from 1pm to 2pm on Friday

Eccleston Box, Burrows Lane; Billinge and Sutton - opening soon

There is also one at: Prescot Community Fire and Police Station, Cables Way from 10am midday on a Monday.