A TOURING police station is to hit the road to help protect farmers and vulnerable countryside residents who feel abandoned by the law.

Lancashire Constabulary has been given £30,000 by the government to buy a mobile policing unit for the Ribble Valley in the first scheme of its kind in the county.

Cash for the special unit came from the government's Rural Policing Fund, launched following the case of Norfolk farmer Tony Martin, who shot dead 16-year-old burglar Fred Barras at his home in 2000.

Martin was given a life sentence for murder, later reduced to manslaughter, in a case that provoked a public outcry.

Martin said he had been plagued by burglars and claimed police had done little to protect him because he lived in the countryside.

Each police force in the UK incorporating rural areas is now being allocated cash to improve policing in the countryside.

Research in the Ribble Valley by Age Concern in 1999 revealed that elderly rural dwellers felt reassured by a regular police presence in their village.

The roving police station will be housed in a van that will tour villages on a permanent basis. It will be like an 'enquiry desk on wheels' manned by one officer.

It will have radio and telephone links to Clitheroe police station and will also stock crime prevention information tailored to the rural community such as advice on sheep marking and securing farm machinery.

Bashall Eaves farmer Harry Backhouse, who is the former deputy leader of the Ribble Valley Council, today welcomed the move and said: "Agriculture has suffered a severe crisis in recent years and many farmers have had to cut back their staff, so are even more isolated.

"It's good to know that someone will be out there, as theft from farm premises and poaching are on the increase. This initiative might make farmers feel more reassured."

Insp Bob Ford, of Clitheroe Police, said: "The intention is that the community support officer will deal with some issues, but pass others onto the appropriate police officer.

"The mobile police station will not replace anything. It is an additional resource aimed at improving our service in the Ribble Valley, by providing a point of personal contact, continuity and reassurance."

Over 1,500 households in the Ribble Valley have also been selected at random to complete a questionnaire asking their views on rural policing.

Insp Ford added: "It is important that we keep up to date with public expectations and feelings on crime and disorder. The questionnaire was designed by specialists at Lancashire Constabulary headquarters, who will analyse the results of the survey."

The van, which will also deal with other police work, such as property marking sessions and special surgeries, is currently being fitted out and should be on the road by early February, although its timetable has yet to be finalised.

"We hope the vehicle will improve the perception of the general public about rural policing. The mobile unit is a significant and innovative development in our service and very few areas have this facility.

"I hope communities in the Ribble Valley will use the facility, as we rely on public support to reduce crime and disorder," Insp Ford added.