VISITORS to Padiham police station will be redirected to the town hall from Monday as work begins to refurbish the building.

A new front desk is being installed at the station and while the work is completed, visitors will need to go to the Burnley and Padiham Community Housing Offices, which are located within Padiham Town Hall, Burnley Road, Padiham.

The temporary base will be in place for about six weeks and will be open from 9am to 5pm Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays and 10.30am to 5pm on Wednesdays. Weekends it will be closed.

The emergency telephone facility outside Padiham police station will still be available 24 hours a day.

Inspector Richard Blackburn said: "Unfortunately we had no option but to temporarily close the enquiry facility at Padiham until the building work is complete.

"I would like to reiterate that it is just the enquiry desk that is affected and no other policing services, so residents can rest assured that patrols will carry on as normal.

"I hope people will make use of the temporary facilities which Burnley and Padiham community housing offices have kindly provided for us."

"Needless to say we apologize for any inconvenience caused during the refurbishment work which is essential if we are to improve facilities for visitors to Padiham police station."

The temporary arrangements at Padiham also mean that stray dogs will not be accepted.

Anyone who finds a stray dog will either have to take it to Burnley police station or call the council dog warden.