THE Conservative candidate to become Lancashire’s police and crime commissioner has promised to reopen front desks in Clitheroe and Longridge police stations if elected.

Andrew Snowden, who takes on current Labour postholder Clive Grunshaw in May, said: “Ribble Valley is the largest borough geographically in the county.

“Whilst a beautiful area and the happiest part of the country to live, its rural villages attract property crime such as burglary and agricultural crime such as theft of agricultural equipment and vehicles and rustling of animals.

“The vibrant night time economy in Whalley, Clitheroe and Longridge calls for an increased and more visible police presence.

"Open police stations are essential for residents to stay in touch with the police. I will work with government to make sure the Ribble Valley gets the police resources it needs to reopen our stations and properly get to grips with rural crime.”

Mr Grunshaw said: “The proposal to reopen front counters that were barely used in the first place is naive, irresponsible and shows a fundamental lack of understanding of the challenges faced by the police in Lancashire, who are still overstretched and under resourced.”