A NEW phone and internet service to contact Cheshire Police is being trialled at Orford Jubilee Neighbourhood Hub.

The ‘contact point’ – described as looking like a cash machine – is a touch screen facility, aimed at making it easier for people to get in touch with police, and access information they need, by phone, or online.

Police describe it as an interactive kiosk that links to the force control room, providing a service outside of normal help desk hours.

It will also provide an A-Z database of frequently asked questions.

Orford Jubilee Hub is one of three test locations being used across Cheshire.

Temporary Deputy Chief Constable Janette McCormick said: “The police contact points offer real benefits to members of the public because they provide greater choice in how people can contact us and they provide information on subjects we know are important to people.

“The ability to contact Cheshire Constabulary by web chat opens up many opportunities for us to support members of the public moving forward in the digital world. We encourage people to go out and try them.

“The contact points form part of a wider project looking at all aspects of public contact as we seek to meet the needs of the communities we serve. We recognise that while some people may prefer to use technology to contact us, others will prefer face to face communication.”

John Dwyer, police and crime commissioner for Cheshire, said: “I wanted to invest in technology for the benefit of the public, and these contact points are one of the ways that I have invested in advances in technology.

“I want to make it as easy as possible for you to contact the police.”

If successful, the scheme could be rolled out across the county.