TRADE union is to hold talks with Durham Constabulary over the closure of front desk counters in police stations across the county.

Unison is concerned about the effect the changes will have on the hours and pay of up to 40 non-uniformed staff.

The force wants to close the receptions of the 12 main police stations to the public overnight.

Secretary for the Durham Police branch of Unison Gerry Gallagher said: "We will be looking at the contracts and doing our very best to make sure they have as little impact as possible on individuals."

Talks are to be held later this month. The proposals were given the go-ahead in February.

The changes are likely to come in to operation during autumn and are expected to save the force more than £100,000 a year.

Authority clerk Leslie Davies said: "It will have a beneficial effect on policing in County Durham. It is about not having people sitting behind desks when they don't need to and it will put more police on the front line."

Inquiry desks at Spennymoor and Crook will be open on weekdays from 8am-6pm, while Bishop Auckland will be open from 8am-7pm on weekdays and between 9pm- 5pm at weekends.