THE fight against crime will be taken to residents' doorsteps in every area of York - by a new £50,000 mobile police station.

The city's crime-busting group, Safer York Partnership (SYP), has unveiled a 7.5 tonne community vehicle that will take policing on the road.

The lorry, similar in size to a large library van, is a fully-equipped police station on wheels and an information station.

It has been paid for with Home Office cash from the Building Safer Communities fund, after a successful bid by the partnership.

Chief Superintendent Tim Madgwick, who is responsible for policing the York area, said he was "delighted" with the new purchase.

He said: "A highly visible police presence continues to be a top priority for York residents and this vehicle offers us this flexibility.

"With it we can respond to hot-spot incidents, support community safety campaigns throughout the city and the suburbs and attend community events to promote home and personal security.

"It will also provide invaluable reassurance to residents throughout the city."

Jane Mowat, director of SYP, said the vehicle, which is marked in distinctive North Yorkshire Police livery, will eventually visit every ward in the city.

Plans were already in place for it to be shown off in Clifton, Micklegate, Heworth and Acomb over the next few weeks.

She said: "This vehicle will allow us to take facilities, advice, and presence to areas of need rather than expecting residents to seek us out.

"It is a most valuable addition to the community safety toolkit here in York."

One section of the vehicle forms a small, but technologically advanced, police office, equipped with computer, fax, printer, radio, video, and a DVD player.

The outside of the vehicle displays a programmable matrix message board, like those seen in traffic patrol vehicles.

This can be used to communicate warnings, messages or announcements to passers-by.

The larger inside area is dedicated to the public, with seating, heating and a wealth of community safety advice and information.

Updated: 10:26 Thursday, March 10, 2005