A DISTRICT councillor has hit out at Hertfordshire Constabulary after it announced it is planning to reduce the number of police stations offering front office counter provision.

If proposals are given the go ahead, Letchworth Police Station, which is currently open two days a week, could be one of the stations hit by the plans.

Cllr Gary Grindal, of North Herts District Council, said it was outrageous the constabulary was considering closing the front office.

He said: “We have always argued for the desk to be open all the time. People want to have a place to go to speak to staff and police officers if they have a problem. Letchworth residents want a police presence in the town.”

The proposal is to offer a front counter service from custody stations only.

A spokesman for the constabulary said: “The greater use of the phone and mobile data has meant we are already seeing a change in the way we interact with the public.

“We have also seen a significant increase in the number of people using our online services. Footfall has continued to reduce and of those who do use the front counter provision only a small number actually require face to face contact.”

The spokesman said the removal of a front counter service does not mean police stations will be closed, and there are no plans to reduce the number of officers and PCSOs patrolling the towns and surrounding areas.