ONE of the first combined police and fire stations coiuld be opened soon in the region.

Plans to extend Loftus fire station, in east Cleveland, to house the police, have been submitted to Redcar and Cleveland council for approval.

The office, in Corporation Road, Loftus, will replace the old police station, built in 1926.

There had been fears the sale of the old station for housing would have meant the end of targeted policing in Loftus.

Cleveland Police officials have stressed that the number of officers serving the area will not be affected by the move and the new office will be open at the same times as the old one.

The move has been welcomed by town councillors Eric Jackson and David Walsh.

Coun Jackson said: "A lot of people were concerned the sale of the station would mean the end of a physical police building in Loftus.

"David and myself have voiced this concern and the police have acted on it.

"The siting in Coronation Road looks like a good example of the emergency services working together."

It is hoped the new station will help the area's community warden scheme, which aims to combat anti-social behaviour on the streets.