BURY police will get a new multi-million pound headquarters.

The current Irwell Street HQ could be drastically refurbished, demolished and rebuilt on the same site, or a new station built in another part of the borough.

A new building is expected to be the preferred option.

The news follows the announcement that Bolton is to have a new multi-million pound HQ built near Burnden Park.

Greater Manchester Police Authority has already recommended that a site be acquired for a New Bury Divisional HQ, although plans are in their very early stages.

Bury's present building was built in the early 1970s and is the tallest building in the borough.

It houses all sections of the police, from the dogs and horse units to the CID and administration.

The proposals comes as officials within the police authority continue the search for a new station at Prestwich.

The existing station is in a poor state and does not include a public counter.

Chief Superintendent Phil Hollowood confirmed the new HQ plan but said nothing is likely to happen for up two years.

He said: "The maintenance costs, paid from the public purse, are steadily increasing at the Bury headquarters.

"Therefore, we are considering three options: refurbishment of the existing building, rebuilding the police station, or building a new one on another site.

"These three options are being assessed in terms of costs and benefits and the police authority will be kept informed and will make decisions by the usual mechanisms."