THERE'S something fishy going on in rural North Lancashire - but police are onto the case.

And they hope it will prompt more residents to voice their views on police activity.

The community beat manager for Silverdale, Warton and the two Yealand villages is trawling the area for views on local policing by linking his police surgeries with the visit of fishmonger Jim Lees.

PC Roger Brooksbank will hold his weekly surgery in the informal surroundings next to Jim's van on Wednesday mornings.

The idea was suggested by Silverdale Neighbourhood Watch and Roger says: "I thought I would give it a go. The first week was quiet but since then it has got busier as people realise why I am here.

"It gets busy around here when Jim comes and I get to meet a steady stream of customers who can have a chat to me about anything to do with policing. It seems to be working very well.'' Sgt Dal Dawkins, community beat co-ordinator, agrees that the venture has been a success.

He says: "People now have a chance to see their local policeman in informal surroundings every Wednesday.

"We hold surgeries but sometimes people don't think their problem is big enough to arrange a visit, so this is perfect.'' Pictured are Cllr Sarah Fishwick, Sgt Dal Dawkins, fishmonger Jim Lees and PC Roger Brooksbank.