SUPPORT from the public could prove crucial in the fight to keep the enquiry office at Bude Police Station open, according to the officer currently in charge of the neighbourhood team that patrols the town and surrounding rural areas.

Sgt Jez Theobald told Bude-Stratton Town Council at its latest meeting that there is a risk the front office could close if budget reviews currently being carried out determine doing so would represent a worthwhile saving.

Launceston and Bude are the only remaining stations with functioning enquiry offices in the Post area, as reported in the February 13 edition.

Holsworthy and Camelford offices were closed to the public in 2010, when the force shut 34 stations across Devon and Cornwall, and axed 60 staff.

There is currently a functioning desk within 15 miles of every home, but if Bude and Launceston were to close, residents may have to travel to enquiry offices at Bodmin, Okehampton or Barnstaple.

For the full report, and a round up of the latest news and sport, see this week's edition of the Post.