Ramsbottom ambulance station has been permanently shut down following a damaging roof leak last year.

The North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust’s building on Cemetery Road is now set to be up on the market.

The station was initially meant to resume service after repairs had been completed, but evaluations have concluded that the site is no longer suitable for operation.

Dan Smith, head of operations for Greater Manchester, said: "Over the last year, we have been closely monitoring performance in the area to see if the closure has had any negative impact but findings have confirmed that this is not the case.

"As a result, we have taken the decision to permanently close the site and continue our operations from Bury station."

During the closure, the station's staff and associated ambulance services had been operating from Bury station, located a little under four miles away.

Mr Smith added: “Ramsbottom station was the base for one emergency double crewed ambulance and eight permanent staff who, during internal consultations, have expressed that they feel they would benefit from permanent relocation to Bury Station and are happy to remain there on a permanent basis.

"With this in mind, and as there has been no adverse effect on operating from there, it makes sense to sell the property and reinvest the funds received into our frontline service.”

Mr Smith reported that the previous station became a magnet for anti-social behaviour in its derelict state.

He added: "The trust is aware of the problems this is causing local residents and will continue to make the site as secure as possible while it is on the market. We would like to assure the community that we will work as quickly as we can to move this along.”