A CAMPAIGN is under way to prevent Corsham Police Station closing for all but two hours a day.

As revealed in last week's Chippenham News, a review of front office staffing is likely to see police bosses slash the number of hours a day the Corsham station is open to the public.

The station, which is ranked in the second tier of importance in the police division, is currently scheduled to open from 8am to 6.30pm Monday to Saturday. But a combination of difficulties in achieving this level and front office staff shortages in Chippenham mean a two-hour opening period could be introduced. Since then the proposal has met with growing opposition and Corsham councillor Peter Davis has been lobbying police authority members to block the changes. He is now calling on residents to write to the town council with their views, which they will pass on to police bosses.

He said: "In recent months we have had an increase in police officers in Corsham. I don't want policing in the town to be reduced so we return to the problems we had before."

Corsham resident Don Stevenson, who lives in Hatton Way, said: "The quicker you can go and report crimes the better. I think most people round here would support keeping the police station open longer.

"If the criminals know the police station is open that could also be a deterrent."

Insp Simon Message, of Corsham police, stressed no decision had yet been taken on its opening times.

He said: "Obviously a reduction in opening hours is not necessarily in the interests of Corsham, but I can also see the organisational needs for Wiltshire Constabulary.

To have your say write to Corsham Town Council, Town Hall, High Street, Corsham, SN13 0EZ or email corshamtown@northwilts.gov.uk