Darwen police station is threatened by budget cuts.

Rumours are circulating in the town that officers at the station in Union Street will be moved to Greenbank, Blackburn, from July 1.

And while Lancashire Constabulary insists that the station and its front counter remain open, it said closure could be ruled out as savings worth £41million had to be made.

A spokeswoman said: “Every aspect of the constabulary’s business has been, or is, under review and the services offered at local police stations are part of this process.”

The front counter is currently opened during office hours and an emergency telephone operates overnight.

Resident Cindy Meller, of Robin Bank Road, Darwen, said she was concerned about response times if the station were to close.

She said: “Surely we want our police to remain stationed in Darwen? It’s crazy if police cars have to come from Blackburn to an incident in Darwen.

“There are already two stations in Blackburn, and a unit at the Infirmary, so why close Darwen?”

Coun Dave Smith said: “We do have an office in the town hall for the community officers, but that closes when the town hall does.

"The police need to make a decision what do to, but I would not like to see a lessening of the service.”

The police spokeswoman said that over £38million of £41million savings needed had already been agreed, and the Chief Constable was committed to protecting the frontline where possible.