HUNGRY cops deny they have bitten off more than they can chew after joining the queues at a Chorley supermarket.

And shoppers want to know why police are filing in and out of Morrison's at meal times.

It seems the boys in blue have a real truncheon meet at the cafe of the Lyons Lane store, following the closure of their canteen at Chorley Police Station.

But the regular 'steak-outs' -- which also take place at Tesco, Chorley -- have left people asking serious questions.

One complainant claimed to have spotted NINE police vehicles parked in Morrison's car park at the same time.

A spokesman for Lancashire Police explained: "When Andy Lincoln was chief superintendent he decided to get rid of all canteens across southern division.

"Bobbies, when they are out in the community, can get their meals anywhere they want, basically. It means they don't have to go into the police station and at least that way they are still in the community."

The cost cutting exercise last year is said to have saved the division £150,000.

But Chorley borough councillor Edward Forshaw, a member of Chorley Police and Community Forum for several years, said: "It is news to me and I will write in and place it on the agenda at the next forum meeting.

"I think it could cause a little concern to see so many police officers attending a place like Morrison's. I will certainly ask some questions."

And former forum chairman Steve Holgate, a Chorley borough and Lancashire county councillor, said: "One would expect the concerns expressed by constituents when there's always this clutch of police cars in Morrison's car park. I know the police have to eat, but it doesn't look good."

New forum chairman Don Yates, also a Lancashire county councillor, said he was not aware of the situation, having only taken up the post a matter of weeks ago.

But he commented: "It is a thing we can probably bring up at the next police forum."

Police inspector Peter White, area commander for Chorley, assured people that the police were not "hiding away" and defended the arrangement, saying: "The advantage is that they can get a decent cooked meal and the supermarket can benefit from a high profile police presence at the same time."

He said the situation was regularly monitored and that no more than 50 per cent of operational strength was having a break at any one time.

He added: "I can understand people's surprise, but if they are getting the impression that every police officer in Chorley is parked up having his breakfast all at the same time, I can assure them that's not the case."

No-one from Morrison's was available for comment as we went to press.