A TOWN'S police chief has spoken out to try to save its force's helpdesk.
Brighouse area commander Insp Pete Brennard said it was important that the town's threatened front counter helpdesk, open to the public, was open each day.
In February the Examiner exclusively revealed West Yorkshire police chiefs' plans to save £1m by axing 13 helpdesks across the county.
Insp Brennard, who will retire this year after 30 years as a policeman, said he understood the need to save money, but closing the desk would be bad for Brighouse.
He added: "It would be better for the people of Brighouse if this service did not go completely.
"There are certain hours when it could probably close, but I would not want to see it go completely."
Consultants examined 32 helpdesks and recommended axing those with fewer than 100 queries a week. Brighouse has 60.
Other stations in this area hit by the plans include Heckmondwike, Cleckheaton and Batley.
A West Yorkshire Police spokeswoman said the force believed the public preferred to see police officers on patrol, rather than behind desks.
She added: "Those helpdesks being closed received fewer than 100 visits per week. Some had none at all for lengthy periods.
"Despite these changes we will ensure in each of the five districts there will be a police station with a helpdesk that is fully open to the public 24 hours a day, seven days a week."
