CULCHETH police are using a Scout hut as their base of operations in the village following an overhaul of how officers work.

Since July, officers and CSOs have been told to begin and end their shifts in Warrington town centre despite concerns being raised about the impact on community policing.

To help officers make the most of their time on their patch, a deal has been struck with the Scout Centre in Jackson Avenue to use it as a 'community police base'.

The building will be used by Culcheth, Croft and Glazebury CSOs Steve Dodd, Maurizio Luccheshi and Dean Culleton.

Ch Insp Peter Shaw, from Warrington police, said: "Community police bases allow officers and CSOs to access force systems without the requirement to return to their main deployment station at Warrington.

"This ensures they spend the maximum amount of time on their beat areas.

"I would like to thank the 3rd Warrington East Scouts for enabling use of their Scout centre, which is situated in an ideal location as a community police base. It will be of great benefit to local officers."

The deal was struck with Ruth Harrison, Robert Anderson and Christine Housby from the Scout Association who have provided the CSOs with an office and computer at the centre.

Cllr Paul Campbell, of Culcheth and Glazebury Parish Council, added: "This is great news for the area and shows continued commitment by Cheshire police to its Neighbourhood Policing Plan.

"Officers tell me that this will increase the time they will be able to spend in the area and make it easier for residents to contact them."

CSOs currently hold monthly surgeries at Culcheth library and it is hoped that surgeries will also be introduced at the Scout centre so that residents have more opportunities to discuss concerns in the area.