Closing front desk services at Great Harwood police station may lead to further police cuts in the town, a councillor has claimed.
Ward Coun Ciaran Wells said if front counter staff go at the Hesketh Street station, he believes backroom staff and other police services may be axed in the future by bosses at Lancashire Constabulary.
The Labour councillor said: "If they get rid of front desk staff, who knows what might go next. The role of back-office staff may change and down the line it may be decided they are no longer needed in Great Harwood.
"We residents want to see more local police and see a community based approach to policing in Great Harwood."
Earlier this summer the constabulary announced plans to close 13 stations across the county and a further six front desks as they seek to make up to £1m in savings and £4m in disposal income.
A consultation period on the proposals began in July.
Coun Wells and colleague Coun Gareth Mollineux have handed out more than 5,000 leaflets to residents about the planned closure.
Earlier this month the constabulary began an internet survey to ascertain views of residents across the county.
Coun Wells urged Great Harwood folk to complete the survey and write to the police about the proposals.
He said: "We don’t want to see this service go in Great Harwood and I would ask residents who have not contacted the constabulary about their concerns to do so."
A police spokesman said: "Despite the proposed closure of Great Harwood Police Station’s front counter, members of the public will still be able to contact police using the yellow phone outside the police station and will be able to make appointments to see their local neighbourhood officers at the station.
"Great Harwood will remain as an operational base and we have no plans to move the dedicated neighbourhood policing team."
The internet survey ends Wednesday, August 31. To complete the survey visit: http://www.getintheloop.co.uk/
