Concerned residents told of their dismay at plans to slash opening times at Eccleshill police station.

A total of 17 people gathered at Eccleshill Working Men’s Club, with some letting it be known how unhappy they were that the station’s helpdesk would only be open on Mondays and Fridays between 10am and 6pm, down from five days a week.

Chief Superintendent Angela Williams, divisional commander for Airedale and North Bradford, said that the building would still be used by officers and that a secure foyer with CCTV and a phone would be available when the helpdesk was shut.

Residents took the chance to raise crime concerns, including burglary, armed robberies, nuisance quad bikes and speeding drivers.

Chief Supt Williams said issues that the police were prioritising included drug dealing, shoplifting and making off with petrol.