More than 1,000 residents of Houghton signed a protest petition

More than 1,000 residents in Houghton signed a petition opposing plans for a new custody suite after existing ones in Carlisle were wrecked by floods.

Carlisle City councillors narrowly rejected the application after some residents spoke at a planning meeting.

Cumbria Police Authority says it is now left with no option but to appeal.

Cumbria Police submitted plans for the custody suite at their traffic base in Houghton to replace the Rickergate site, damaged in the January floods.

'Naturally disappointed'

Councillors had been recommended to back the plans, but the proposal was defeated by just one vote.

Cumbria Police had moved to allay the fears of some residents, who claimed released prisoners could put children and property at risk.

Chairman of Cumbria Police Authority, Reg Watson said: "I'm afraid the only thing we can do is appeal.

"If we try to place the custody unit anywhere else in Carlisle, the same thing is going to happen, because the people will say that if it is bad for Houghton, it must be bad for them."

Assistant chief constable Neil Rhodes added: "We are naturally disappointed that our application has been declined.

"A significant amount of time and effort has gone into the application and we believe that Houghton is still the best site and location for the custody facility."