A NEW combined police headquarters and fire service command centre could be up and running in the centre of Poole as early as summer 2007.

It will bring the town's main police station to within a short stroll of the town centre and railway station.

The scheme will demolish the existing Poole fire station in Wimborne Road and replace it with a brand new police station and fire and rescue command centre offices.

Poole fire station will be temporarily shifted to Creekmoor in preparation for a final move to a planned new station at the top end of Holes Bay Road in the borough.

The new combined police and fire service operation near the stadium and railway station could be manned by summer 2007 or early 2008.

Outline permission to build the multi-use station has now been lodged with Poole council.

Poole police have been searching for a new base to escape the constrictions within the current station next to the civic centre offices.

"The biggest problem has been finding a location which is why we have decided to go to the site of the fire station," said John James, Dorset Police director of finance.

"Our current station is outdated and inefficient because of the way it is laid out. It is like a rabbit warren inside. This new station will improve co-ordination between ourselves and the fire and rescue service and provide common training facilities."

Another obvious benefit comes from conveniently locating the station on the fringe of the main shopping area and next to the speedway stadium and train station.

What will become of the current police station has not been decided, although it will be sold off.

Providing planning permission is granted, a final green light from the Home Office is also needed before work gets under way.

Mr Jones added: "After that we will move rapidly to construction and the earliest completion is likely to by summer 2007."

Richard Genge, Borough of Poole planning officer, said plans for the new fire station move and the joint police and fire service building in Wimborne Road will go before a planning committee within the next few weeks.

Dorset Fire and Rescue Service was this week unable to comment on the plans.

First published: May 26