THE front desks at Urmston and Sale police stations will close tomorrow.

The move comes as Greater Manchester Police Authority and Greater Manchester Police attempt to make savings of £133 million by 2015.

A decision was made following a review to establish the cost-effectiveness of Greater Manchester’s 55 public enquiry counters.

Part of the review included research on how the counters were being used.

When deciding which stations to close, a number of factors were taken into account such as visitor numbers, location, access, public transport links and parking.

The front desks at Altrincham and Stretford police stations will remain open.

Chief Inspector Robert Pell for Trafford Division said: “The closure of the front enquiry counters will not impact on policing in the area and neighbourhood policing teams will remain at Sale and Urmston and at the heart of what we do in our communities.

“As the times change, we need to provide the very best access to our services in a way that is fit for the future as well as consider the current financial constraints forced upon us.

“Residents will still be able to use the yellow phones outside Urmston and Sale police stations as well as contact officers at neighbourhood meetings and surgeries or get in touch by telephone, email or through social networks.

“Our customer service desk provides an enhanced appointment system allowing us to see people in their own home at a time convenient to them.

“If residents need to go to a police station then they can attend either Stretford Police Station, on Talbot Road, or Altrincham Police Station, on Barrington Road.

“Stretford is open seven days a week, from 8am to 11pm and on bank holidays, while Altrincham is open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 6pm, but is closed on bank holidays.

“Residents can also continue to contact their neighbourhood policing teams if they have any concerns about crime or anti-social behaviour.”