Opening hours at a local police station are to be cut, because police chiefs say it is rarely used by the public.

The police base in Westhoughton is currently open on Mondays to Fridays, from 9.30am to 5.30pm. But from Monday, March 3, it will close at 4pm, sparking concern among residents.

Westhoughton Town Councillor Brian Clare said he was concerned to hear of the plans. He said: "I will be raising this with my fellow councillors. Considering Westhoughton is a town of 25,000 people I think this is awful. We should have a proper police station which is manned 24-hours a day."

Susan Prescott, aged 60, of Westhoughton, said: "It's not good for the town. New homes are being built left, right and centre and there's been a number of armed raids recently."

The police base in Pavilion Square was opened in July 2005 by MP Ruth Kelly after the closure of Westhoughton police station in Wigan Road in 2004.

Chief Superintendent Dave Lea, Divisional Commander for Bolton, said that on average only six people used the station each day - significantly less than in other areas.

He added: "Greater Manchester Police is committed to providing the most efficient and effective service to all our communities, this involves using all the resources available to us as effectively as possible.

"There is a higher demand on other stations in the area so we felt that resources would be best placed there.

"We have looked closely at the usage of the station and it is mainly used during lunchtime and in the early afternoon and the station will remain open at these times."

Terry Riley, aged 75, of Dixon Street, Westhoughton, backed the police, saying he thought it was appropriate they are directing their resources where they are needed He said: "If they are needed elsewhere then that's where they should go. They do their best under difficult circumstances."

For non-emergency calls or to report a crime, people are advised to call GMP's non-emergency number, 0161 872 5050, 24 hours a day, or report it online at www.gmp.police.uk.