A SUPERINTENDENT has said Ribble Valley has a 'dedicated and strong' policing team, following calls for more police officers.

Clitheroe Town Action Group recently called for more police officers in the town following a spate of break-ins.

The group claimed the war on crime could 'be lost' and more police officers would be needed at weekends and evenings.

Supt Russ Procter, said: "Ribble Valley has a very dedicated and strong local policing team supported by response teams from across the East Division.

"We have recently invested a further three officers to increase numbers based in Clitheroe police station, which is a positive and keeps the local footprint of police Officers and PCSO’s.

"While we do have resourcing challenges across the constabulary and have seen a reduction in 800 police officers and 350 police staff due to austerity, we are focussed on meeting local demand and providing a service to our residents across the Ribble Valley."