POLICE officers in Leyland are to be sent out on the beat in search of food after bosses axed the canteen at the Lancastergate station.

The canteen, which was available to the 56 officers based in Leyland, has been shut, along with cafes based at Chorley, Skelmersdale and Ormskirk as the force's money men look to make the Constabulary more efficient.

Officers will be encouraged to eat in local supermarket cafes - who have obviously said they will welcome any new customers with open arms!

Police bosses say the move will save the Southern Division £140,000 a year - the equivalent cost of employing four officers.

Nineteen jobs will go from catering firm Gardner Merchant, who have the contract to supply the force's food.

Divisional finance manager Pam Hayhurst said it was costing the division £5 per person, per week, to keep the canteen open.

She said: "Clearly, this was a lot of money and the question was asked if it was money well spent."

Officers will now have access to chilled foods and a microwave 24 hours a day, a service which was previously unavailable at any of the police stations.

Money saved in the shake-up will be used to redecorate and update facilities in the canteen seating areas, while the kitchens will be mothballed.

Pam added: "Gardener Merchant is currently trying to find new positions for those who want to stay, and working out redundancy packages for those who want to leave."

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