THE design of Crewe's proposed new fire station has received a thumbs up from more than 80 per cent of local residents.

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service asked residents neighbouring the site of the current station in Crewe Road/Macon Way what they thought of the plans to replace the 54-year-old complex as part of a programme of modernisation across the county.

In the survey 54 per cent of residents said they "really liked" the new design, while 31 per cent "quite liked it".

A minority (around 11 per cent) were not impressed with the plans which were submitted to Cheshire East Council this month.

They will see the demolition of the existing buildings and the building of a new station, including a training tower along with hard standings and car parking.

Two separate planning applications have been submitted by Cheshire Fire and Rescue, one for the demolition of the old station and the new building along with the siting of a temporary fire station to provide a base for firefighters while the building work takes place.

The new station will be a two-storey block with three appliance bays and a flat roof will allow for the installation of solar panel equipment and maintenance access.

With more administrative staff working in Crewe office space needs to be expanded while the new building's upper floor will be accessible, unlike the current station which has no lift.

The new build will also incorporate enhanced, modern training facilities so that fire fighters can train for incidents.

Nearly 92 per cent of residents in Crewe Road, Macon Way, Weston Road, Nantwich Road, Ludlow Road and Stanhope Way, living close to the site, supported the plans for the rebuild in the survey which the fire service carried out in July this year.