People in Queensbury are being urged to help man their police station when it reopens.

The station, in New Park Road, is due to launch in about three months after the £15,000 needed to bring the building up to scratch was provided by West Yorkshire Police.

It has been unmanned for several years but residents called for it to be reinstated following a spate of crime in the village. It has been only used as a drop-in point by priority beat officer PC David Ackroyd.

Conservative ward Councillor Michael Walls, a retired police officer, had been campaigning for it to be reopened for two years and hundreds of residents signed a petition in favour.

Queensbury businessman Paul Cromie pledged £1,000 towards the fund and the rest was provided by the police.

It is hoped work, which will include creating a disabled access and a public area, will start soon. Coun Walls said the station would be open to the public to report incidents, seek advice and pass on information.

He said during the refurbushment the police would recruit and train local volunteers to man the station.

"We want people aged between 16 and 75 to apply to be volunteers. There will be a two-hour induction programme followed by training. Travelling expenses will be paid.

"The police have done their bit in responding to the demands of the community and spending this money," he said. "It's down to local people.

"Hopefully in three months time it will be up and running, with some council departments operating there as well."

Potential volunteers should ring 0845 6060606 and ask for the force volunteer co-ordinator, see the volunteer page atwww.westyorkshire.police.uk or ring Coun Walls on (01274) 427050.