CULCHETH residents have been able to pick up more than a book when popping into their local library from this week.

From Monday, Police Community Support Officer Steve Dodd has been working from Culcheth Library, as well as the police station in Risley, thanks to a new working relationship with library staff.

But it is not just for him that a new chapter has started, PC Alex Hill and PC Neil Gallagher are also dedicated officers for the village and are also working from the library as well as the police station.

Visitors to Culcheth Library will be able to meet the officers, report crime and receive crime reduction advice while they return their books and browse the shelves.

Karen Poolton, librarian, said: "We are pleased to welcome the police officers to the library and work in partnership with them to provide a valuable service to the community."

If visitors arrive at a time when the officers are out and about on patrol, or on a day when they are not on duty, information will be available at the library to inform them of the next date and time the officers will be there.

PCSO Dodd says that the library gives them a central location in Culcheth. He said: "The library is in the centre of the village and is easily accessible for anyone who wants to get in touch with us and we have access to a room if anyone wants to speak to us in private about a particular issue."

Steve Precious, Neighbourhood Policing Unit Inspector, said they hoped that it would make officers more visible.

He said: "We have listened to Culcheth residents who say they want their police officers to be visible and easily accessible.

"Having officers working from the library as well as the police station is a significant step forward enabling residents to access policing services at a place that is convenient for them."