POLICE have opened an office in a first-floor flat in a Blackburn neighbourhood.

The site, in Rothesay Road, Shadsworth, will allow people to visit officers at set times if they are uncomfortable coming to a police station.

It also puts police in the heart of an area that has been blighted by anti-social behaviour.

The new site, which has been funded by Blackburn with Darwen Council and Twin Valley Homes, is based above the Spar shop.

PC Louise Briggs said: “The majority of the problems have been centred in the area surrounding the Spar shop and I hope the new base will allow us to be more accessible to the local community.

“We are extremely grateful to all of the local companies who have provided us with equipment and furniture.

"Without their support we wouldn’t have been able to move into the flat.”