RESIDENTS of Royston were left without access to police services after the phone at the town s police station was damaged. Hertfordshire Police are currently investigating what happened to the phone, which visitors to the police station can use to contac

RESIDENTS of Royston were left without access to police services after the phone at the town's police station was damaged.

Hertfordshire Police are currently investigating what happened to the phone, which visitors to the police station can use to contact officers when the station's front desk is closed.

Cllr F John Smith, leader of North Herts District Council and councillor for Royston Meridian, was alerted to the problem by a resident who had tried to hand in a lost purse and bunch of keys.

He has written to the Chief Constable of Hertfordshire, Frank Whiteley, to highlight the problems faced by people in the Royston area since the opening hours of the police station were reduced in January.

Cllr Smith said: "Whether this was malicious damage or theft I do not know. What I do know is that this is a perfect example of the reduction in service which has followed the decision to greatly reduce the number of hours that Royston police station is manned.

"Royston people are not amused by the change in hours of opening. We believe that the efficiency of the police service has been greatly diminished and we look forward to the restoration of a properly manned station in the large, purpose-built town centre building."

A spokesman for Hertfordshire Police said: "A member of staff noticed within 24 hours, as part of daily checks that are made, that the handset outside Royston Police Station was missing and this was replaced immediately. Enquiries are being made as to what happened to the handset.

"I would like to reassure residents in Royston that the station remains a fully operational 24/7 police station with various teams, including neighbourhood teams and intervention teams being based at the station."

Since January, the front counter at Royston police station has been open on three mornings a week, and all day on Saturday. Prior to this it had been open from 8am - 10pm, seven days a week. Police say the change has enabled them to offer a more reliable service.