QUESTION marks have emerged over the future staffing of the front counter at Great Harwood police station.

Staff sickness and holidays have been blamed for the public desk at the Hesketh Street base being ‘temporarily’ closed this week.

But councillors and Neighbourhood Watch campaigners, are speaking with local officers, are concerned the arrangement may be permanent.

Clive Grunshaw, Graham Jones and Great Harwood councillors, including Hyndburn Council leader, Cllr Miles Parkinson, will stage talks next week to clarify the situation.

Last night Mr Grunshaw said: “I understand that a combination of staff sickness and annual leave led to a staff shortage that meant the front desk was left temporarily unstaffed this week.

“I have been assured that this is purely temporary and the front desk will be open on its usual hours next week.

“This has in no way affected policing of the area and only means that people calling at the police station have had to check in via a telephone rather than via the front desk.”

Hyndburn MP Mr Jones fears that the ‘temporary’ closure may be part of a wider programme examining front counter provisions at Lancashire police stations.

Mr Jones added: “The police and crime commissioner has been asked to make more cuts by the Tory government.

“But as we know from recent events, these cuts have already gone too far and I hope to raise the issue with Mr Grunshaw next week.”

Cllr Gareth Molineux, who represents Great Harwood’s Overton ward, said: “I was shocked to hear what had happened because I thought the police would have informed local councillors about what was going on.

“We have been told that the closure could be permanent so we are seeking clarification with the police and crime commissioner’s office.”

Shaune Riding, a Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator in the town, said it had been expected that the front counter may close later this year.

The building is understood to be leased from a third party.

Earlier this year Mr Grunshaw confirmed that a review of police station front counters would be undertaken in 2017.

The police station in Waterfoot is understood to be one of those under threat and even Accrington’s new front counter in Broadway also under review. The last major closure exercise, affecting 11 sites, was in 2011.