SIX police stations in East Lancashire could be closed to the public and a further 13 sold off in plans announced by police today.

Front desks at Great Harwood, Darwen, Longridge, Barnoldswick, Brierfield and Padiham are all set to be shut.

Meanhile there are plans to close and sell police stations in Rawtenstall, Bacup, Haslingden, Earby, Cliviger, Edgworth, Whalley, Billington, Gisburn, Hurst Green, Chipping, Newton-in-Bowland and Ribchester.

The proposals have been slammed as ‘devastating news’ for some local communities.

While police admitted the decision would cause concern and be ‘highly emotive’.

The constabulary needs to find £42 million in savings over the next four years and it is hoped that the closures would save £1million while sales could raise a further £4million.

Police said a consultation would be launched on July 1 and will run for 12 weeks, after which final decisions will be taken.

Assistant Chief Constable Andy Cooke said: “The constabulary recognises that the closure of any front counter, or indeed any police premise, is iconic for the public and will cause concern.

“This is why it has looked closely at visitor numbers in particular to identify those which are used the most in order to limit the impact to a potentially smaller number of people.“

The review would not affect police stations in Blackburn town centre, Greenbank in Blackburn, Accrington, Clitheroe, Burnley, Nelson, Colne and Waterfoot.

What it means for your station

Number of visitors per hour in brackets.

Front counters to stay open

Greenbank in Blackburn (7.2), Burnley (7.1), Accrington (7), Blackburn town centre (6.3), Nelson (4.8), Colne (4.1), Clitheroe (3), Waterfoot (2.3).

Front counters to close but staff to remain

Great Harwood (2.1), Darwen (1.8), Barnoldswick (1.6). Longridge (1.5), Brierfield (1.3). Padiham (0.9).

Front counters to close and station to be sold

Rawtenstall (1.6), Bacup (1.5), Haslingden (1.5), Earby (0.9)