FEARS have been voiced after the closure of the public helpdesk at Keighley police station.

Force bosses say the move is due to "staffing pressures" and is only intended as a temporary measure.

But there are concerns over whether the facility will reopen.

The only West Yorkshire Police public helpdesk now operating in the district is at Trafalgar House police station, in the centre of Bradford.

Keighley MP Robbie Moore says he will "keep pushing" to ensure the town's provision – at the Airedale House police HQ, in Royd Ings Avenue – remains open.

"I am extremely frustrated by this announcement – frankly it is not good enough for my constituents," he said

"There is no denying that crime is a huge problem in Keighley, which is why local people need to have a functioning helpdesk at their police station.

"I have already expressed my anger at this announcement to our district police commander, chief constable and West Yorkshire mayor, and I am expecting this issue to be examined immediately. I will keep pushing to ensure the helpdesk at Airedale House is reopened."

Town mayor, Councillor Julie Adams, said she was "saddened" to hear of the closure.

She added: "I have been told this is just a temporary measure and I really do hope that's the case, as I believe that the town does need this facility.

"Although my term as mayor of the town is due to end this week, I will be monitoring this closure with interest and in the hope that the facility does indeed reopen in the very near future."

West Yorkshire Police say they have "reluctantly" had to close the helpdesk until new staff can be recruited.

A spokesperson added: "This is a short-term measure, due to unforeseeable staffing pressures. We hope, given the relatively low footfall at the Keighley counter, that inconvenience to the public will be minimised.

"A recruitment process is underway, which we hope will alleviate this problem and allow the return of the helpdesk provision.

"We continue to offer a helpdesk service in Bradford district at Trafalgar House police station, which is open from 8am to 8pm daily – 10am to 6pm on bank holidays.

"A number of services are available through which people can contact us, including 101 Live Chat or online reporting. Also, answers to many of the queries we are asked can be found on the Ask The Police website.

"If a member of the public needs to speak to someone our 101 service is available, and of course in an emergency people should always call 999.

"This temporary closure does not affect the provision of both 24/7 patrol officers and neighbourhood policing officers who continue to be based at, and operate from, the station."

Airedale House opened as the divisional headquarters of Keighley police in 2005.

Over the years key services including custody cells, CID and specialist units have been transferred to Bradford.

And in 2017, it was announced that the building was to be put on the market and remaining provision relocated elsewhere in the town.