A RECRUITMENT drive for community volunteers has been launched to extend the opening hours of a rural police station without draining resources.

The station is between the villages of Preesall and Knott End, and people are needed to staff the enquiry desk during the afternoons.

Inspector Phil Anderton explained: "Over the last few years we have reduced our resources in the Presall and Knott End area. However, this is something I am very keen to reverse.

"A dedicated constable has already been introduced to the area and both PC Ian Hesketh and myself are eager for the police building to be open for longer hours to offer a better service to the community.

"We have to recognise that police resources are finite and as such we are seeking support from the community.

"We hope to get enough volunteers to be able to staff the station for four hours every afternoon providing a face-to-face contact with the police in the heart of the community. Full training will be given to all successful applicants."

Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer should contact Inspector Phil Anderton at Poulton Police Station on 01253 604456 where details should be left on the answerphone or alternatively people can send an email to phillip.anderton@lancashire.police.uk

Inspector Anderton added: "Ideally we would like applications to be in by September 17, 2001. All applicants will then be invited to a special meeting to discuss the venture in greater detail."