POLICE have scotched rumours that Nelson police station is to close.

Nelson councillors launched a Save Our Station (SOS) campaign amid fears spread it would be lost.

But a crisis meeting has been called by Pennine police next week to reassure council members that this is not the case.

Pendle Chief Inspector, Ewan Cameron, said that a number of changes had already been made in Burnley and Rossendale.

In Burnley this included amalgamating Burnley and Padiham, basing response officers in Burnley and community officers in Padiham, with a response vehicle still on patrol daily in Padiham.

Changes in both boroughs were made following consultation with staff and local councillors.

Chief Insp Cameron said: "Consideration is now being given to the policing structure in Pendle and changes are not being ruled out. If there are opportunities to improve the level of service we provide, then clearly we must take them.

"However, I would like to reassure local residents that if any changes were to be made, it would be done only after discussion with local councillors and with the best interests of the local community in mind."

He add: "No stations would be closed and officer numbers would not be reduced.

"In fact we are actually looking to increase the number of officers in Pendle with six new community beat managers and five new police community support officers to be appointed by the end of the year."

Councillors Colin Waite, Judith Robinson, Asjad Mahmood and Neil Akrigg were all concerned at rumours that the future of the town's police station was in jeopardy.

They immediately formed the SOS campaign group and demanded a meeting with police.

Coun Waite said: "I am pleased that the police have responded swiftly to our concerns and called this meeting where local councillors can have their say."

The meeting takes place at Nelson Town Hall, on Monday.