CONCERNS have been raised about the closure of a police station in a busy Ribble Valley village.

Councillors in Whalley have been consulted about the potential sale of the police station in Princess Street.

Ward councillor Terry Hill said it was sad the station could close but claimed it was a sign of the times.

He said: “Provided that they leave an access point it is inevitable that it will close.

“It provides a visible presence in the village but we are aware that the police authority are under enormous pressure to make savings and we do sympathise with them.

“People will need to be satisfied that this will not detract from police presence in the village and we need reassurance that we will not lose any frontline officers off the beat.”

The closure of the station is being considered as part of Lancashire Constabulary cost-cutting measures.

Proposals are already being considered which would involve Hyndburn and Ribble Valley CID working from one location, possibly Accrington.

And Newton station serving four villages in the rural Hodder Valley – the only one between Clitheroe and Lancaster, almost 25 miles – has also been earmarked for closure.

The savings are being demanded by the Government.

The consulation process launched to give people a say on the future of police premises across the county will end tomorrow.

Around 1,000 residents have completed surveys during 12 weeks and hundreds more made contact via meetings, e-mail and petitions.

The views on the closure of selected front counters and police stations, will now be considered and a final decision made in November.

Chief Superintendent Tim Jacques said: “Every single aspect of our business is being reviewed in order to find the necessary savings and that includes the properties we use and the services we provide at front counters in police stations.

“We recognise that any closures will cause concern which is why we were extremely keen to consult the public before we made any decisions.”