The front desk at St Albans Police Station will be closed from August in a bid to save cash.

Confirmation comes after the news was announced in May that Hertfordshire Constabulary proposed cutting the service, meaning that residents will have to make enquires over the phone or at custody stations.

From August 12, Hertfordshire Constabulary will offer a front counter service from stations including Hatfield, Hoddesdon, Stevenage and Watford Police and Crime Commissioner David Lloyd defended the "difficult" decision in order to meet financial savings.

Mr Lloyd said: "Though this is in some ways an operational decision it is an issue in which I take a particular interest - the means by which the public engage with the police being a key concern in my Police and Crime Plan, ‘Everybody’s Business’ and it is something that I have been working on with the Chief Constable, Andy Bliss.

"The constabulary is working hard to deliver on the strategic direction set in my plan, where I am clear that I want the police to be a highly visible presence in the community - and to go where people congregate. Initiatives such as ‘street meets’ enable the public to more readily engage with their local officers.

"Far more people now choose to contact the police in non-emergency situations by telephone and via the internet, than do so in person. Obviously, the 999 telephone service has been the primary means of emergency contact for many years.

"While there are suitable and effective alternatives to providing a front counter service at several police stations, it makes sense to capitalise on that and ensure that other services are safeguarded, such as child protection and Safer Neighbourhood policing."

Superintendent Matthew Nicholls, for Hertfordshire Constabulary, said the greater use of phone and technology had meant the police had seen a change in the way that they interact with the public.

He said: "We have also seen a significant increase in the number of people using our online services. Footfall has continued to reduce and of those who do use the front counter provision only a small number actually require face to face contact.

"There are no plans to reduce the number of officers and PCSOs patrolling the towns and surrounding areas.

"We will retain the emergency phone at the entrance to all stations for public use which links directly to the Force Communications Room (dealing with non-emergency and 999 calls). This phone is accessible and available night and day should anyone need police assistance or advice."

A reduced service will be available from the Three Rivers District Council office at Three Rivers House, Rickmansworth and Abbots Langley station.