POLICE station front counters — many earmarked for closure — have seen a dramatic drop in usage over the past two years, police chiefs say.

Force bosses want to close the inquiry desks at Astley Bridge, Farnworth and Westhoughton, along with another 30 across Greater Manchester, as part of a drive to save £134 million by 2015.

A consultation period on the proposed closures has now been extended after the police authority demanded more current information about how frequently the desks were used.

The police’s research now shows that, on average, Astley Bridge receives 21 visitors per day, Westhoughton receives 12 and Farnworth receives 61.

Across Greater Manchester, usage has fallen by almost half since similar research was done in 2009.

Police hope to save £1.5 million by closing 22 of 55 public counters.

A 90-day consultation with staff and Unison started yesterday.