RADICAL changes in the way rural policing is carried out in the Ribble Valley should result in a higher police profile at critical times -- without any extra officers.

This was the message from Chief Supt John Thompson at a meeting of the police and community forum at Read.

But some have questioned if a change in shift rotas and the opening of new operation centres, starting on April 1, would make any difference to the area, particularly when they learned that there were just 41 constables and currently five sergeants to cover an area with a population of almost 53,000.

Chief Supt Thompson said the figure had not changed but with a budget increase of just 4.2 per cent and no more funding from the chief constable on the cards, a new way of spreading the resources around the Ribble Valley was needed.

"A very complicated shift system is being developed and will come into operation on April 1," he explained.

"Officers will work longer days but fewer days and the changes in shift times means that at certain times of the day or evening there will be an overlap. This will give an increased police presence which can be adapted to where it is needed, such as Friday and Saturday nights in Whalley, or other parts of the day when criminal activity is likely to occur."

He said there will not be a reduction in officers in the Ribble Valley, but there is a need to make better use of the information obtained and a need to be better at tackling crime. "Operating from specific centres rather than individual beats means we can offer a wider 24-hour cover," he said, adding that should major incidents occur, back-up can still be called in from outside the area.

The job of working out the complicated system falls to Sgt Rob Evans at Clitheroe Police Station, who has just joined the team from Great Harwood.

In addition to the new rotas there is to be the introduction of four operating centres, from where constables and sergeants covering specific areas are to be based.

The operating rooms are likely to be sited at Clitheroe, Longridge, Whalley and Chatburn.

Coun John Hill said he was not impressed with the change in the system.

"There is no substitute for police presence in the community and I don't believe Read and Simonstone will be covered any better," he said.

Coun Hill also attacked the way key police stations were closed late at night.

He said: "There was an instance when someone was seeking sanctuary at Clitheroe Police Station at around 11pm one Friday night. They had been attacked and were being chased. When they got to the station it was locked up and there was no one there. What use is that to anyone if there are no police when you need them?"

Chief Supt. Thompson added: "If we try something and it does not work we will change it."