A SIMPLE portable cabin is set to increase the amount of time police spend out and about on their beat.

Long walks back to Risley police station to do paperwork will become a rarity for community support officers thanks to their new base in Taylor Business Park.

"It looks basic, but it is done up nicely enough inside so it's cosy and most importantly it's secure," said Paul Taylor, director of Taylor Estates, which is providing the cabin free of charge.

"It helps us because it is a natural deterrent, but we already employ security guards so it's really about helping the local police in doing their job.

"By having this as an option it will save them going back and forth to the station and allow them to spend more time policing in the village, which benefits the whole community."

The idea came about after officers asked businesses for their input on policing the area.

Already computer and office equipment and hi-tech video cameras to help officers gather evidence have been offered, a community spirit Warrington East's new neighbourhood policing inspector Derek Lockie is keen to foster.

"I'd like to thank Taylors for their help and generosity in providing this," Insp Lockie said.

"This is exactly the kind of example of community involvement we want to promote.

"Our CSOs now don't have to trek back to Risley to use the phone or fill in forms meaning they can spend more time out and about.

"Resources that we don't have are being made available to us by others, especially those in the business community, and shows that by working together we can be proactive about crime and achieve results."