POLICE are searching for a new town centre base for their bobbies – after a senior officer criticised the current site.

Officers have been based at Biddulph Town Hall since the town's police station was knocked down to save cash 10 years ago.

But the High Street site, which also doubles up as a one-stop shop dealing with council complaints, has now been criticised for its lack of privacy.

Moorlands commander Inspector Clare Riley said: "The front office arrangements at Biddulph are not adequate.

"We are looking at other options.

"The future of the station is being reviewed. "We are open to comments from the public."

Concerns over the police's base have also been raised at a district council meeting.

Councillor Hilda Sheldon, who said officers were forced to conduct police business with residents on the street, said: "Personnel are squashed in a small room and there is very little privacy.

"I do not think for a town with a population of 22,000 that the current situation is suitable."

Social landlord Moorlands Housing bought the former out-of-town Biddulph Police Station, in Princess Street, in December 2002 and has built homes on the site.

Staffordshire Police saved £27,000-a-year by shutting the station.

Residents today called on the police to retain a base in the town centre once they leave the town hall.

Eric Cox, of Congleton Road, Biddulph, said: "The town hall has never been very adequate for the needs of the police, because space has always been tight.

"But it has been handy having the police in the town centre.

"It is a lot more accessible and there has actually been less trouble in the town since the police moved in.

"There are plenty of places in the town centre which could suit the police, like one of the empty shops."

John Whatley, of Beaumont Drive, Biddulph, said: "It's always seems to me that you cannot get to the police very easily, where they are.

"It's all very well having a telephone box outside, but I believe that goes through to the police headquarters at Stafford.

"It would be nice to have the police based somewhere in the town centre.

"I preferred it when Biddulph had its own police station, but I understand how much these buildings can cost to run."

Retired police officer Bill Johnson, aged 67, who is chairman of Biddulph Green Fingers Club, said: "The old police station was always criticised for being too far out of town.

"I worked there for a short time during the 1970s and 80s and it was fine.

"The best location would be somewhere in the town centre, perhaps close to where the new health centre is being built.

"I can't see them moving into a purpose-built building, because cost is going to be a considerable factor."