COMMUNITY policing in a Ribble Valley village will be taking a step forward when a new police office opens this week.

The old police station in Whalley has been closed for some time and is for sale, but over the next few days a new office will open up at 2 Princess Street.

The opening has been delayed through problems with builders and flooding.

Although a definite date has not been set, it should be open within the week.

Inspector Carole Entwistle, of Clitheroe police, said: "The office will be a base for the two community officers and a mobile unit and it will not be a traditional police station as such. "The public will have access to it by appointment or by invitation from the officers.

"But it is a step forward for Whalley.

"We also plan to have surgeries, possibly once a month at first, so that the public can call in with their questions and queries."

Anyone wishing to know more about the new police office and the surgeries can contact Clitheroe Police via the Colne HQ on 01282 863161.

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