OTLEY councillors are calling for the town's police station to be reopened to the public.

The move is in response to confirmation that Weetwood Police Station is to close its Public Enquiry Counter (PEC) - and eventually be sold.

That news, the result of a cost-and-usage efficiency driven review of police PECs across Leeds, was given to Leeds City Councillors in a briefing note last week.

Neighbourhood Inspector for Inner West Leeds, Simon Jessop, said that: "The result is that across Leeds the numbers of PECs will reduce from six to three.

"In respect to the West of Leeds, the plan is that Weetwood Police station PEC will close. There is no fixed date at this time.

"You will be aware from previous briefings that the long term plan for Weetwood is that it will sold.

"Indeed, Weetwood has not been an operational police station or patrol base for some time."

Ward councillors are concerned about the likely impact and are demanding a rethink.

Councillor Colin Campbell (Lib Dem, Otley & Yeadon) said: "I am disappointed that this seems to be yet another reduction in the service local residents are receiving.

"Public access is important for residents to receive help and advice or to report a crime.

"Even something as simple as handing in lost property will become almost impossible when the nearest publicly accessible police station is a couple of bus rides away.

"It is important that residents feel the police are approachable and my colleagues and I will be writing to the Police and Crime Commissioner asking him to review the decision - and, if it has to stand, to look at reopening the public counter at Otley Police Station."

Councillor Sandy Lay (Lib Dem, Otley & Yeadon) shares those concerns.

In his response to Ins Jessop, he said: "Whilst I understand that my support is no longer necessary I must, for the sake of the community in Leeds North West and particularly my own community in Otley and Yeadon, state that I cannot support this proposal.

"Have you considered reopening the PEC at Otley, a station that you cannot dispose of due to covenant, and which has a significant police presence during the day?

"My ward colleagues and I shall shortly be writing to you to formally request a review."

Speaking to the Wharfedale & Aireborough Observer, he added: "I'm not happy with the continuing service reductions in Leeds North West.

"Centralising services continues to hit those most vulnerable be they the elderly, frail or the monetarily or technologically improvised.

"Otley Police Station remains underutilised and can't be closed so we will be calling for a review and the reopening of its Public Enquiry Centre."

The public counter at Otley was closed in July, 2013 when West Yorkshire Police citied its low usage - and a Force-wide need to save money - as the reason.