By Linzi Watson

Last updated 05:17, Friday, 28 November 2008

LONGTOWN police are calling on more local people to help them run their station.

Since reopening two weeks ago, three volunteers have taken on desk duties at the station every Monday and Wednesday.

The new recruits are part of the latest initiative from Cumbria Constabulary, in which community volunteers donate their time and skills to the force.

But local PC Alasdair Wright wants more people to get involved and is keen to remind local people that the station is open.

PC Wright, who is one of two community officers based at Longtown, said: “Since the volunteers took up their posts everything has run smoothly.

“But we still need people to get involved and I would like to remind people that the station is open for use.”

Volunteers completed six weeks of training to give them a flavour of what they can expect from their new role and the scheme was launched on November 13 at Longtown Police Station.

At the launch, Inspector David Coates, head of the policing teams in Brampton, Longtown and Dalston, said: “Far from asking the public to do our work for us, this initiative provides a way for people who genuinely want to help out and have an interest in the police to get involved.”

Ilene Forsyth, chair of Arthuret parish council, said: “It will be good for the town because if someone has a problem they can come to the desk and there will be somebody there to help them.”

Anyone interested in becoming a community volunteer should call into the station or contact Emma Lynch, special constabulary and community volunteer co-ordinator on 01768 217138 (emma. lynch@cumbria.police. uk), or Sgt James on 01768 217139 (michael.james@cumbria. police. uk).