COUNCIL chiefs have called for a rethink into the opening hours of a rural police station.

In February last year, Durham Police Authority decided to reduce the front desk opening hours of six stations, including Barnard Castle.

The cost-cutting exercise saw opening hours reduced from 8am to 8pm every day to 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday.

The move was met with criticism from Teesdale residents who faced travelling to Darlington or Bishop Auckland for front desk service - or using a central call centre instead.

The criticism prompted a report on the decision which was published by Teesdale District Council's overview and scrutiny committee.

Following consultation with Teesdale businesses and residents, the report says that the reduction in hours was implemented with little or no public consultation.

The report went on to say that grave doubts were cast over the adequacy of a new call handling system by members of the public.

And that there were reported instances whereby "a lack of knowledge, both geographical and of their own organisation" had been displayed by call operators.

The review concluded that Barnard Castle police station should maintain the front office opening hours as they had been prior to the change - a move which has been backed unanimously by the council.

The council has now invited Durham police's Chief Constable, Jon Stoddart, to discuss the opening hours with the council in the hope the matter might be taken forward.

Chairman of the overview and scrutiny committee, Councillor Newton Wood, said: "To be truly inclusive and in the genuine interest in the well-being of the community, it is often appropriate to look towards other agencies whose policies affect our communities.

"It is the obligation of all public agencies to remember that their ultimate duty is to best serve the next person who walks through their door."

A spokeswoman from Durham police confirmed that they were talking to the council regarding front desk opening hours but defended the original reduction.

She said: "The opening hours of the front office at Barnard Castle police station have been revised to take into account demand, a process that has been carried out across the force area."