THE opening of a new police headquarters in Horwich has been delayed by three weeks.

The purpose built deployment station near to Bolton Arena at Middlebrook was due to open on October 25. Delays with the installation of telephone lines means that it will be unable to open until November 15. The official opening of the deployment centre by a senior Government official is still scheduled to take place on Friday, November 25. It will provide a base for all police officers covering the Bolton West area which includes Horwich, Westhoughton, Blackrod, Heaton, Smithills, Lostock and Over Hulton.

It will replace the current 19th century police stations in Horwich and Westhoughton where two one-stop shops will also be opened next year.