PENDLE MP Gordon Prentice has called for the introduction of mobile police stations in a bid to tackle the borough's crime.

He was speaking after Lancashire's Chief Constable Pauline Clare officially opened the new village station in Earby.

The £50,000 office, which was formerly a chemist's shop, in Victoria Road, has been in use on a part-time basis for almost a month.

Members of the public can obtain advice at the station and it is also a base for Earby's two community beat managers, PC Fiona Barlow and PC Helen Danson.

Local people were consulted over its opening hours, which are currently 8.30am to 12.30pm on Monday and Tuesday and 1pm to 5pm on Friday, until more staff are recruited.

Mr Prentice could not make be present at the opening but said he was delighted there was a police station back in the village office.

He said: "We are constantly being told that the fear of crime is more prevalent than actual crime and I have always said the simple solution to this is to see more officers in our local communities.

"I am therefore more than pleased to see this new office in Earby.

"The community will feel reassured by the regular presence of police officers and having a local point of contact.

But, he said, although the station was good news further security measures could be taken locally to ease the concerns of Earby residents.

He went on: "Why stop there? I am keen to see the introduction of mobile police stations which last year proved to be very successful in Burnley.

"I have asked Home Secretary David Blunkett to encourage these innovations. "

Mrs Clare cut the ribbon to mark the opening of the station before presenting prizes to local schoolchildren, who had won an art competition organised by the community beat managers.

Their pictures decorate the public inquiry area at the new police station and the idea behind the competition was to encourage pupils to get to know their local beat officers and the sort of help they can provide.

All the pupils who took part received a sweet treat and eight lucky winners received a £5 book token, donated by the Marsden Building Society.