It is clearly unsatisfactory that somewhere like Queensbury, which is suffering from an increase in crime, should have no permanent police presence in the shape of a manned office where people can call in with their complaints and problems.

Although the work of the local community constable is clearly appreciated by the people who live in the fast-growing village, he is able to use the police station only as a drop-in centre. It has been unmanned for several years and the general feeling is that if it was reopened to accommodate a civilian clerk it would help in the fight against the current spate of burglaries, muggings and robberies.

The cost of the repairs and improvements needed to make it operational again is estimated at £15,000. It could be argued that that bill, if it helps to provide more effective policing, should be met by West Yorkshire Police, who are said by Chief Superintendent Phil Read to be "committed to trying to get a base in Queensbury".

Given the force's present, much-publicised parlous financial situation, it seems doubtful that the reburbishment of a local police station will come high up the list of spending priorities.

But the local people have made it clear that they want their police station, even if they have to fund it themselves. Their commitment to helping to restore law and order to their village is commendable, and the public-spiritedness of Queensbury businessman Paul Cromie, who has given £1,000 towards the fund, is particularly praiseworthy.

Let's hope that others follow suit, and that the police are able to co-operate fully with villagers to get the police station reopened as quickly as possible.