VERWOOD Police Station’s enquiry office will not be re-opening its doors.

Dorset Police made the announcement on Monday and also confirmed six others would close as a result of the changes.

This means the nearest enquiry office for Verwood and St Leonards residents would be Bournemouth.

However, officers will still be operating in the Verwood area.

Verwood Police Station was temporarily closed last year. The original proposal had put forward the closure of 12 out of 15 front-counter offices.

However, following public feedback and intervention from the Police and Crime Commissioner Martyn Underhill, right, this was changed – resulting in the closure of six rather than 12, which will come into effect from March 1.

The changes to the enquiry offices – some of which averaged fewer than seven daily visits from the public – will save about £300,000, say police.

That is the equivalent of six front-line officers or 10 Police Community Support Officers.

Chief Constable Debbie Simpson said: “Changes of this nature are understandably emotive and we continue to work with our partners to ensure that we meet our true demand within our budget constraints.

“Unfortunately, that simply means we can’t maintain such a costly and under-used service at the expense of other local policing.

“We have listened carefully to members of the public and retained services where they are most needed. Closing front counters does not mean that a police station is closed and officers continue to work in each area.”

Negotiations are under way with local councils and partners to provide alternative contact points, which are planned to be introduced in the summer at libraries, community centres and council offices.

They will provide online services, 101 telephone access and crime prevention information. Police say these locations will be announced once final arrangements are in place.

A survey showed three-quarters of the public preferred to contact Dorset Police by telephone and improvements have already been made to the 101 non-emergency service.