THREE of the biggest police stations in North Yorkshire are to have their front desk opening hours cut, in a move police chiefs say will leave more money to pay for "bobbies on the beat".

York, Harrogate, and Scarborough police stations will all be open from 8am to 10pm seven days a week, instead of 8am to midnight, from May this year.

At the same time, stations in Malton and Selby will have their opening times cut to 9am to 5pm Monday to Thursday, and 9am to 4.30pm on Fridays; and Tadcaster will be cut down to weekday mornings only.

Police and Crime Commissioner Julia Mulligan said the changes will save upwards of £300,000 a year, which can be invested in more police officers and PCSOs. The announcement also said that stations will operate a new "When we’re in, we’re open" policy meaning if officers or staff are in the building they will answer the door to anyone who wants to call for help or advice.