A CALL from the public for more police in West Craven has led to the opening of a new base in Earby and residents will be given the opportunity to have a direct involvement in its running.

The former pharmacy, in Victoria Road, will provide a base for the village's two part-time community beat managers.

Local people will be given the opportunity to have closer links with the police by helping out at the new office.

It will be staffed by a mixture of police personnel and volunteers from the community.

Members of the public can now get help and advice from the officer running the new police office, although the official opening ceremony will not take place until next month.

Its initial opening hours, agreed during consultation with the local community, will be 8.30am to 12.30pm on Monday, 8.30am to 12.30pm on Tuesday and 1pm to 5pm on Friday.

Chief Superintendent John Knowles said: "We are delighted that the Earby police office has finally opened its doors to the public.

"Initially it will be staffed by a police officer but we will be recruiting a public inquiry assistant from within the local community very soon.

"We will also be harnessing the skills and enthusiasm of some of the many local people who have come forward and offered to help us run the station on a voluntary basis.

"We were overwhelmed by the response from people when we appealed for volunteers.

"It has been very heartening for all of us to know that we have so much local support.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who showed an interest in becoming a community volunteer."

Police are hoping to eventually extend the opening hours once additional staffing is in place and the office may also be used for property marking and other crime prevention schemes.