A CALL has been made to keep Richmond police station open 24 hours a day.

The recommendation came in a crime and safety study conducted by Richmondshire District Council.

The document, How Safe Are Our Streets?, also urges North Yorkshire Police to reopen cells at the station after concern that officers were being taken off the streets to transport prisoners to Northallerton and Harrogate.

The study also recommended better lighting at taxi ranks and that the Army be requested to stress the importance of good behaviour to recruits.

The report, completed between January and last month, found that about a third of crimes in the district and 80 per cent of domestic violence incidents were fuelled by alcohol.

Concern was expressed about pubs, particularly in Catterick Garrison, offering happy hours and cheap drink.

It was found that a number of taxi drivers in Richmond and Catterick would not work after 11pm because of fears for their safety.

However, the report concluded that, in general, Richmondshire was a safe place.

Richmondshire Community Safety Partnership was also praised for playing a significant role in improving safety.

The findings will be sent to the Home Secretary, North Yorkshire's chief constable, the commander of Catterick Garrison and other organisations.