THE front desks at Urmston and Sale police stations close for good today.

Greater Manchester Police Authority and Greater Manchester Police are closing 33 of their 55 counters to save almost £1.5 million.

It is part of measures to save £133 million by 2015. The front desks at Altrincham and Stretford police stations will remain open.

But opponents of the move fear it will affect frontline policing.

Cllr Dave Acton, Trafford Labour group leader, said: “I’m really disappointed, I think the front desks are the gateway for people who need police support.

“I think this is going to be to the detriment of the public.”

Jo Harding, Urmston councillor and shadow executive for safe, strong communities, added: “Sadly the closure of the counter at Urmston police station is yet another victim of the cuts.

“People use the desk to report crime, seek advice and see the police as part of the community, this resource will now be taken away from them.

“At a time when it is inevitable that crime will rise as a result of cuts we should be looking to cut crime not the police.”

It follows a police review of Greater Manchester’s 55 public inquiry counters, including how they were being used. Visitor numbers, location, access, public transport links and parking were all factors in deciding which ones to close.

The changes follow a study showing a fall in number of people visiting inquiry counters.

Due to voluntary redundancies and requests from some staff to reduce their working hours, it is anticipated that no compulsory redundancies will be issued to people currently working at the counters.

Chief Inspector Robert Pell, of Trafford Division, said the closures would not affect policing.

He said: “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, e-mail 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.

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

Stretford Police Station, on Talbot Road, is open seven days a week, from 8am to 11pm and on bank holidays.

Altrincham Police Station, on Barrington Road, is open Monday to Saturday, from 10am to 6pm, but is closed on bank holidays.

More than 2,500 people took part in a consultation to have their say on the plans and help shape public access to police services in the future.

The force also undertook a 90-day statutory consultation with staff and Unison about the changes.