POLICE surgeries will begin at the Old Fire Station in Rawtenstall today when PC Karen Fitzpatrick will be on hand to answer questions and concerns. If successful they could be extended to other areas of Rossendale.

The inaugural surgery will be held from 4pm to 6pm and three others will follow in October. PC Fitzpatrick will run the surgeries and wants local residents with questions or concerns to note the dates and go to see her.

She said: "We want to increase accessibility and make sure that everyone can see a local police officer if they need to discuss something of concern.

"I am happy to answer any questions related to policing so if you want to know more about the force in your area, or bring a specific problem to our attention, then please come along."

She added: "If successful, I plan to hold surgeries in other parts of the Valley, like Haslingden, so that people who are uncomfortable or unable to get to a police station can air their concerns.

"With this in mind, I would urge people to come to me and have confidence in us. Where there is evidence of a real problem then we will take action but we can't do anything about issues of concern if people don't tell us about them."

The other surgeries will be on October 1 (10am to noon), October 15 (4pm to 6pm), October 29 (10am to noon).