POLICE stations across Cambridgeshire could have their opening hours cut following a wide ranging review. Some opening times would be reduced, a police spokesman confirmed today (Tuesday). He said the effect could be to reduce or remove the need for c

POLICE stations across Cambridgeshire could have their opening hours cut following a wide ranging review.

"Some opening times would be reduced," a police spokesman confirmed today (Tuesday).

He said the effect could be to reduce or remove the need for civilian staff manning front desks at certain times of the day and night.

"Consultation with staff is designed to outline the options available," said the spokesman. "No individual jobs have been put at risk. The aim is to bring police stations into line with demand following the results of public consultation.

"Front counter staff are also being consulted in a process that is likely to take several weeks.

"The move would be a switch from an open-all-hours policy to having the stations opened when they are most used by the public."

The proposals could mean not only market town police stations curtailing their opening hours but could also restrict public access in Cambridge and Peterborough.

Cambridgeshire police insist staff are being taken fully consulted to find the best way forward.

"It's quite a complex internal consultation process," said one source, who also insisted station closures would have no affect on operational requirements of the Cambridgeshire force.

The emphasis of the consultation is to offer those workers directly involved the opportunity to suggest alternatives which might mitigate staff losses.

However, the force will be looking at recent studies which reflect footfall at police stations and the times people call in.

"People don't go out in the middle of the night to visit a police station," said a source. "They would telephone the police anyway so the question is: do we really need staff tied up using police stations where visitor numbers are very small?