ATHERTON'S new police station on Flapper Fold Lane became operational for the first time on Monday.

The new deployment station has been built to provide an improved policing facility that will serve the Atherton, Tyldesley and Astley areas.

It will include a modern reception area and a vehicle response centre, while offering a good geographical location.

Opening times for the public enquiry counter will be Monday - Saturday, 9.00am - 5.00pm.

The new station is the 14th to be completed under the Force's estates strategy to build 17 new police stations over 16 sites throughout the GMP area under the Private Finance Initiative (PFI).

All public enquires for Atherton's new police station should continue to be directed to Greater Manchester Police's non-emergency number 0161 872 5050 or in the case of an emergency, where there is a threat to life or property, enquiries should continue to be directed towards the 999 system.