POLICE have reassured Darwen people they will not be affected by a reduction in the number of inspectors covering the borough.

Currently three geographic inspectors work in the Blackburn with Darwen area, but this will soon be cut to two.

Constabulary chiefs say that Inspector Bob Eaton, who covers Darwen from the police station in Union Street, will not be going.

Both remaining inspectors will cover all of the area and changes will come into affect in the New Year.

The news will reassure those with concerns over the future of the station.

Sudell councillor Roy Davies claimed saving the station’s front counter from closure this week would be ‘just a fascade’ if the area’s inspector went.

Already the town’s CID department has been transferred to the Greenbank headquarters in Blackburn, where Darwen’s patrol car drivers also log on and off.

Coun Davies said: “It’s great news that Darwen police station’s front counter will remain open, but are we going to have any police officers in there?

“If you’re being chased through the town and you bang on the door there will be just civilians on the front counter.

"We need to make sure there are officers to give sanctuary.”

Chief Superintendent Bob Eastwood said: “As part of the Constabulary’s Neighbour- hood Policing Review, we have looked at the management structures which are in place in the Division.

“A decision has been made to reduce the number of inspectors covering Blackburn with Darwen from three to two.

"This will offer the frontline even greater protection and keep more officers on the beat.

“We are confident that the public won’t notice any difference as there will still be two dedicated inspectors covering both Blackburn and Darwen.”