IT has emerged that public access to Liskeard Police Station could come to an end as the result of a cost-cutting review across Devon and Cornwall Police.

Inspector Dan Ivey, Sector Inspector for South East Cornwall, has revealed that the future of police enquiry offices remains uncertain as the force seeks to find a further £5m in cuts during the next year and a further £11m by 2018.

The enquiry desk at Liskeard Police Station was visited by nearly 2,000 people last year.

The desk will remain open for the time being, but the threat of its closure is also a cause of concern for the staff.

Insp Ivey said he has staff who are at risk of redundancy if a closure is decided.

'I am supporting the staff through a difficult and worrying period,' he said.

The inspector added that it had to be recognised that services the police have always provided, like manned enquiry offices, were not used as much as they once were.

The internet, mobile phones and tablet devices have all changed the way people communicate with the police.

'We are looking very closely at how we can still provide the standard of service people expect, but in a way which reflects changes in society,' said Insp Ivey.

Liskeard mayor Sue Pike said: 'We have really good community policing in Liskeard but there is still no substitute for being able to call into the police station when you have a problem.

'It will be a great loss to the town and district if this important facility goes.'

Meanwhile, after community concerns, Insp Ivey has announced that more officers are being stationed in Looe, Saltash and Torpoint rather than being based centrally in Liskeard.

'Covering a large area with a limited amount of officers is challenging, but my view is that officers can perform their roles better when they are based in local stations,' said Insp Ivey.

'They feel ownership of community concerns and can work more closely with partners and get to know the criminals on their patch.'

Insp Ivey said that despite cuts he is confident that further challenges can be met.

He reported almost a 10 per cent reduction in crime in the Caradon area in the last 12 months

He said: 'This is testament to the hard work of local officers and our partner agencies.'