POLICE in Cumbria have opened front desks in supermarkets and community centres just two years after closing several stations.

Information and help desks are now being manned on a once-weekly basis in Sedbergh, Shap, Grange, and other locations around the county, in a bid to engage with local communities - aftert 13 stations around the county were closed and sold off in 2012.

"People often don't have time to pop into a police station to ask a simple question, or are not aware of some simple steps they can take to help prevent themselves becoming a victim of crime,” said DCC Jeremy Graham, of Cumbria Constabulary.

"Having a police desk in the same location at the same time will allow people to become familiar with local officers, and rely on them as a regular point of contact."

MORE TOP STORIES: He added: "I think these police desks will be a brilliant way of engaging with local people as they go about their daily lives.”

In each location a police officer or police community support officer will now be on hand to speak to local people.

Police are encouraging people to come along to report crimes and road traffic collisions, arrange to make a statement and get crime prevention or personal safety advice, among other things.

In Shap the temporary police station will be set up at the fire station, between 8.30 and 11.30am on Wednesdays.

Sedbergh residents will be able to visit a police desk on Wednesdays between 11am and 2pm at the community building.

And in Grange a desk will be manned at the Victoria Hall on Thursdays between 2 and 4pm.

For more information visit www.cumbria.police.uk/policedesks