POLICE chiefs have met with angry residents and a concerned councillor in a bid to allay fears over a custody suite which will take prisoners from Warrington, Widnes and Runcorn.

Critics have reacted with horror to the prospect of suspected criminals being released at all times of the day and night from the planned jailhouse at Manor Park, near Moore.

Last Tuesday night Chief Inspector David Bertenshaw, heading the police project, met residents and Daresbury councillor Martin Moylon in an effort to calm their concerns.

He assured residents that serious offenders were now routinely held until their first court date and not allowed out on bail.

Police have also confirmed that either officers, or one of the two contractors bidding to run the facility, will be required to offer transportation to prisoners leaving the suite who encounter travel difficulties.

Force bosses have also confirmed that the move will mean the end of the line for the ageing cells underneath Arpley Street police station.

It was feared Moore could be deluged with suspected criminals making their way back to Warrington after being bailed from the cell block.

"At the moment cell capacity is such that we often we have to move prisoners from Halton or Warrington to as far afield as Northwich and Chester," said a Cheshire Police spokesman.

"The aim of the new facility is that it will accommodate anyone arrested in north Cheshire regardless of where they are arrested."

Earlier this week Clr Moylon said police admit the majority of detainees are from Warrington division.

He called for the jailhouse to be located midway between Widnes and Warrington - instead of a remote estate near Sandymoor.

While police concede more arrests are made within Warrington - but say a site has been selected which was reasonable travelling distance from all three north Cheshire towns.