A PROPOSAL to reduce opening hours at police stations across County Durham were strongly criticised this week.

One critic claimed the Durham Dales would become "a criminals' paradise". Another said it would damage the public's perception of the police.

The measures include shutting Barnard Castle police station to the public between 6pm on Fridays and 8am on Mondays. The same would apply at Crook and Spennymoor.

On weekdays, the public counters would open between 8am and 6pm.

Reception desks at Darlington, Bishop Auckland and Newton Aycliffe would only open from 9am until 5pm on weekends.

On weekdays, Darlington would open to the public from 8am until 8pm. Newton Aycliffe and Bishop Auckland would be open between 8am and 7pm.

Peter Stubbs, Teesdale district councillor and founder of the award-winning Tees and Wear Farm Watch scheme, feared the Dales would become "a criminals' paradise".

Worried residents contacted him about the Barnard Castle proposals which are part of a best value review of the force's structure and staffing.

"Best value just means cutting costs," said Coun Stubbs. "How can you run a police station like a business? It doesn't make sense.

"The police rely on the public to be their eyes and ears, yet telephone calls to the local police are already re-routed to Bishop Auckland, which has put a lot of people off ringing.

"When that was introduced we were given a commitment that there would be no cuts in hours, but nothing shocks me now. I believe there'll be no police station in Barnard Castle before long.

"The old system worked well in rural areas; that's why we have hardly any crime. If it ain't broke, don't fix it."

Coun Charles Johnson, Conservative group spokesman on Darlington Borough Council, felt it was already difficult to access the police with the new call centre system at Bishop Auckland.

"Any reduction in access for the public is not good news. The police need to remember that performance is about public perception," he said.

"If people have the view that they can't get access, then that's not good."

The new hours are expected to take effect from the autumn.

A force spokesman stressed police stations were not closing.

"We are talking about the reduced opening of front office inquiry desks to which members of the public have walk-in access," he said.

Low demand did not justify officers being "bums on chairs" when they could be out on the streets.

"This will save in excess of £100,000 a year; enough to pay for another five officers," he added. "We are at record strength now with 1,700 officers, which is 250 more than ten years ago. That is the most we've ever had on the beat since reorganisation in 1974."