Residents in Queensbury have offered to buy a police car for their village bobby in an attempt to cut crime in the area.

More than £2,000 was originally raised by residents after an appeal to renovate the village police station which has been unmanned for several years.

But West Yorkshire Police provided the £15,000 needed to bring the building, in New Park Road, up to scratch and it will be launched as a manned centre this autumn.

Residents are now hoping the extra money can be used to buy a second-hand patrol vehicle for PC David Ackroyd to use on his beat.

The car would be donated to the station and used by priority beat officer PC Ackroyd who uses the station as a drop-in point. At present PC Ackroyd drives a pool car.

PC Ackroyd said: "There are 11 officers in my department and we get the use of a car whenever one is free. I will be discussing the idea of getting a police car for Queensbury with my divisional commander."

Conservative ward Councillor Michael Walls backed the idea.

"Having a permanent police car at the station is obviously a very good idea," he said.

"I held talks with Chief Superintendent Phil Read in April about the station and he said he would find the money needed to man it from the budget.

"Now there is this extra money spare and I have already spoken to the Chief Superintendent about the possibility of buying a car to use in the village.

"The car could be used by PC Ackroyd but also by specials working in the area."

Coun Walls added that he would hold further talks with Chief Supt Read in the next few weeks.

Chief Supt Read said: "We thank the community for their fundraising and we need to look at the feasibility of this idea."

An appeal has been made for volunteers to man the station when it re-opens.

The renovated station will include a disabled access point and a public area and will be open to the public to report incidents, seek advice and pass on information.

Volunteers, aged between 16 and 75, are wanted to man the station. They will be given a two-hour induction programme and training. Travel expenses will be paid.

Potential volunteers should ring 0845 6060606 and ask for the force volunteer co-ordinator. See the volunteer page at www.westyorkshirepolice.uk or ring Coun Walls on (01274) 427050.