A Congleton helpdesk will be open for residents who have no other means of reporting crime during the lockdown.

A total of 16 police stations across Cheshire will open for one hour a day to offer a service for members of the public who cannot contact the Constabulary online or via the phone.

These helpdesks will be for urgent issues where there is no other way of contacting police and social distancing measures will be adopted to ensure that everyone is kept safe

Opening times for the helpdesks will be posted on the doors of each station every week and publicised in advance via Cheshire Constabulary's social media accounts.

Superintendent Peter Crowcroft said: "We recognise that not everyone can contact us online or via the telephone during these unprecedented times.

"So we have made the decision to open the helpdesks at 16 of our stations for one hour a day so that the people who need our service but cannot contact the police via any others means can report urgent issues.

"This is not to be used for general enquiries and in line with the advice on keeping safe, only make the journey if absolutely essential.

"We are telling anyone who does come to the station to always keep to social distancing rules of staying 2 metres away from others.

"We will also be ensuring that measures are in place at the stations to keep the residents of Cheshire safe.

"Please only visit a police station if there is absolutely no alternative and the matter is urgent. In an emergency, where a crime is taking place or there is a danger to life, always dial 999."

For general enquiries click here.