Lucknow, Dec 30 (IANS) In an attempt to improve its image, police have undertaken a major makeover of their lock-up at the police station in the posh Hazratganj area here.

The lock-up of the past - an 8x8 feet dingy room with no air or lighting has been replaced by a swanky 15x10 feet area with a tiled floor and tiled walls.

A wall has been built in a corner which acts as a partition for the toilet.

Police inspector Vijay Prakash Singh said a western commode was in the offing and all efforts were being made to ensure that basic amenities were provided to the inmates.

Built for an undisclosed amount, the lock-up has a wash basin. Its capacity has been enhanced to 30 prisoners from the present 12, though as many as 40 were forced into the 8x8 cell till now.

The new lock-up would be opened in the new year. It is the first of its kind in Uttar Pradesh.