A TRADE union will 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 are concerned about the effect this could have on staff.

"We will be looking at the contracts and doing our very best to make sure they have as little impact as possible on individuals.

"It has the potential to have an impact on salaries, powers and could affect duties and responsibilities, but we do not know yet.

"We will be talking with the force about the effect the changes will have on the staff on the front counter."

Mr Gallagher said the changes could affect up to 40 civilian staff.

Talks are to be held later this month. The proposals were approved in February after they were first approved by Durham Police Authority.

The changes are likely to be made during the 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 police on the front line."

Front inquiry desks at Spennymoor, Crook and Barnard Castle will be open on weekdays from 8am to 6pm. Those at Newton Aycliffe and Bishop Auckland will be open from 8am to 7pm on weekdays and between 9am to 5pm weekends.

The desk at Darlington will operate between 8am and 8pm on weekdays and 9am to 5pm on weekends.