Pilot scheme for Carnforth A PILOT scheme using members of the public to man the inquiry desk at Carnforth's police station is set to start at Christmas. Volunteers are wanted to help operate the scheme, the first of its kind in the county. Among their duties will be answering the telephone, taking productions of driving documents and dealing with minor complaints. The project will run at the rural North Lancashire station for an initial six months, between 6pm and 8pm each evening and from 10am until noon on Saturdays. It has come about after a study into the use of community volunteers in such roles was commissioned by Lancashire Police earlier this year following a lead set by other forces in the country. Insp Dowling explained: "This will run for six months and it is envisaged this will enable us to strengthen our service and improve our links with the community.

"If it is a success and the public feel there is a need for it then the scheme will continue. If other areas within the constabulary feel it could be of benefit to them I have no doubt that they will take a look at Carnforth and possibly take up the idea."

Training will be given locally and Insp Dowling added that volunteers of all ages will be considered. Application forms can be collected from Lancaster or Morecambe polce stations.

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