Police are axing a public office they set up in Yeadon only two years ago - because they say it doesn't give value for money.

The police room, housed above Yeadon Library, has closed after lengthy negotiations between the City Council and bosses at Weetwood station failed to come up with a more affordable rent.

Police say the room is too inaccessible and is not open often enough to justify the yearly rent of £1,170.

The move has been criticised by ward councillors Mike and Moira Dunn and Tony Addison, who say the weekly rent of £22.50 should not be beyond police means.

But Superintendent George Robinson, of Weetwood Police, said they were paying for unsuitable premises.

"The room is inaccessible, being up a flight of stairs, and costs more than £1,000 for a very limited service. As a result, we are seeking a more suitable venue," he said.

The closure also means the Yeadon and Rawdon Neighbourhood Watch (YARN) team will no longer be able to use the office to give advice and help to residents.

Catherine Smith, YARN press officer, said: "This is taking a very good service away from people across Aireborough. It's been very popular with residents. It took some time to establish but things built up. Police got a lot of information and we worked well with them."

The police office was set up two years ago and manned from 10am to 2pm on Fridays by two officers. They have been replaced by an information van visiting the Town Hall Square once a week.

The room was also open on Thursday evenings for an hour, when YARN members were on hand to offer their assistance.

Yeadon resident Graham Latty, Liberal Democrat candidate for Aireborough in this week's elections, said: "Not only have we lost a police room, but also neighbourhood watch is now without an office as a result and no-one can argue about the good that body has done.

"A police van in the Town Hall Square on a Friday is no substitute for a permanent police office."

And Mike Dunn, Labour councillor for Aireborough, added: "For the police to withdraw this valuable facility, just to save less than £1,200 a year, is extremely mean and shows little regard for the people of this area."

Councillor Bernard Atha, chairman of the cultural services committee which is responsible for the room, said he hoped the police would not move out until "every avenue had been explored".

He said: "I feel certain that the £1,170 a year it costs to keep a police presence in Yeadon is money well spent."

Supt Robinson insisted a strong police presence would be maintained. He said: "Our intention is to provide a better, rather than a reduced, service for the people of Yeadon.

"Until a suitable place can be found we will increase the number of community officers which now comprises a sergeant and four police constables for the area who will be available to see members of the public."

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