THE police desk in Wokingham will close as Thames Valley Police finds new ways to balance its books.

Across the Thames Valley 18 desks will be closing on April 1 next year.

Alongside the closures Bracknell's police desk will only be open between 10am and 6pm Monday to Friday.

The closures mean some people will have to travel more than 10miles to reach their nearest police desk.

Loddon Valley and Reading desks will be open between 8am and 10pm seven days a week.

Deputy Chief Constable John Campbell said: “The way people interact with the police is changing.

"We have found that more people are engaging with us on the phone, online or through our social media channels rather than visiting their local police station.

“We are proposing to reduce the number of front counters available to the public across the force, with all front counters now offering the same service. 

“Bricks and mortar has little to do with policing, therefore officers and staff are being empowered to be more mobile in their work with the use of smart phones, tablets, laptops and wifi connection in vehicles.

“I wish to reassure the public we are by no means withdrawing from our communities and the availability and visibility of police officers to attend incidents is not affected by front counter opening times."

At present the 34 desks across the valley serve around 20,000 people a year with most contact coming via phone.

Thames Valley Police say they will sell off buildings that they no longer need or are too expensive to maintain.

At this time no jobs have been put at risk.

The decision comes after a survey of 9,187 people saw 86 per cent of responses say their first choice of contact with police not in an emergency would be by phone.

Anthony Stansfeld Police and Crime Commissioner said: "With a smaller budget and an ever increased demand on policing, it is vital that we look at ways we can improve the way we operate.  

"We don’t want to see our buildings sitting empty, unused and costing money when the funding that’s saved can go into other areas where it is needed such as new technology, protecting vulnerable people, child abuse and domestic abuse.

"A review of our estate and the reinvestment of savings from the closing of assets that are underutilised will support the delivery of a more efficient and effective service to communities across the Thames Valley."

You can put your concerns and questions to DCC Campbell at a live question and answer session from 7pm on Tuesday, December 22.

Tweet @thamesvp with your questions.