MPs have hit out at 'senseless' proposals to close six East Lancashire police stations to the public.

Front desks at Great Harwood, Darwen, Longridge, Barnoldswick, Brierfield and Padiham are set to be shut under the Lancashire Police proposals announced yesterday.

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

Jake Berry, Darwen and Rossendale MP, called the station closures were ‘outrageous’ and has launched a petition in a bid to fight for its future.

He said: “How can it be fair that two police stations in Blackburn are unaffected and Darwen will lose its front desk?

"How can it be fair that three out of four police stations in Rossendale have been marked for closure?

"I will be looking for cross party support to stop this senseless decimation of police cover in our area.”

Graham Jones, Hyndburn MP, said he had been left shocked at the level of proposed closures.

He said: “The sheer scale of the cuts here is staggering. This is a huge closure programme and is a step too far.

“Crime is sure to rise with police cuts on this scale.

"Great Harwood is a brand new police station and already people have lost it.”

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)