POLICE could have a permanent presence in a Huddersfield shopping centre.

Councillors will decide next week whether to fund a so-called multi-agency contact point at Salendine Nook Shopping Centre.

The room would be used by police officers, councillors, probation staff, housing officers and Lindley Community Group.

Kirklees Council’s Huddersfield Area Committee has been asked to pay for a two-year lease costing £2,000.

Police officers would use the room to call in throughout the day and to hold surgeries for local residents.

A council spokesman said: “The proposed project will support an increased police presence within the complex which will act as a deterrent and prevent the majority of the ongoing anti-social behaviour problems.

“It will also provide a facility for members of the public visiting the complex to report crime in person to police officers and to Police Community Support Officers.

“This will encourage an increase in appropriate reporting of crime and enhance intelligence gathering”.

The initial costs of the project will be £2,000 and will provide the use of the facilities for two years.

That bill will be picked up by Kirklees Council, who hope that West Yorkshire Police may then agree to continue funding.

The committee meets at Huddersfield Town Hall from 7pm next Monday.