Berkhamsted police station could be closed as the cash-strapped force searches for ways to save money. 

Shutting the station on Berkhamsted High Street could save almost £60,000 a year, according to the Hertfordshire Police Authority. 

It would mean a less visible police presence in the centre of Berkhamsted as staff would move into town council offices. 

But the chairman of the authority, Stuart Nagler, has also asked Hertfordshire residents to volunteer alternative venues on a 'goodwill basis' that could be used as a base for patrols or a drop-in centre for police to meet the public.

The authority has announced a four-year plan to tackle its funding deficit by reducing staff and closing and selling buildings. The proposals are expected to lead to savings of £220,000 a year and proceeds of around £4.2million.

Stations in Baldock, Bushey, Potters Bar, London Colney and Watford Harlequin will be shut this year. Berkhamsted police station is on a list of proposed future closures, but no decision has been made yet.

Concerned residents in Baldock have been assured by Chief Inspector Neil Ballard that there will be 'no change in the number of operational officers, including intervention officers responding to 999 calls, Safer Neighbourhood teams, Police Community Support Officers and a number of specialist resources including traffic and firearms on patrol'.

A cost-cutting review by the authority last year specified that the only sites to be protected from cuts are their headquarters in Welwyn Garden City, custody bases in urban locations such as St Albans and Watford, and the 'collaboration bases' in Harpenden, Hitchin and Letchworth which accommodate joint operations between Hertfordshire Constabulary and Bedfordshire Police.

Mr Nagler said 'many difficult decisions' would be made by the authority in the coming weeks to deal with a 17 per cent cut in funding, but insisted station closures 'will not impact on the number of operational stuff, including neighbourhood teams and PCSOs, on patrol in the locations affected'.

He added: 'We have well-developed plans for anything up to a £40million shortfall over the next four years and remain committed to serving the communities of Hertfordshire.'

When was the last time you used Berkhamsted police station? How would you feel if it closed? What do you think of 'goodwill' venues for the police in Hertfordshire? Let us know below.