Custody complex go-ahead granted

The Rickergate station was damaged in the 2005 floods

Police say they have been given planning permission to build new cells after those previously in use were damaged by flooding.

The custody facility for Cumbria Police will be built at the former Rathbone's bakery site, at Durranhill, Carlisle.

The force submitted the Durranhill application after plans to build the complex in the Houghton area of the city were blocked.

The Rickergate station was damaged in the floods of 2005.

Asst Ch Con Neil Rhodes, of Cumbria Police, said: "This is a significant phase in the redevelopment of policing services in Carlisle, achieved through the hard work of the police project team.

"This building will ensure that the people of Carlisle are provided with modern custody facilities with a capacity that the area really needs."

The force expects the work to be completed by late November.