From the comfortable image of old-style policing as seen in Dixon of Dock Green to the more frenetic atmosphere of The Bill's Sun Hill, the popular perception of police stations is as places where members of the public are welcome to call in, whether they are providing or seeking information, handing in a lost wallet or complaining about a bag snatch.

That point of contact is important. A reassuring face behind a counter means a lot - far more than, say, a recorded voice at the end of a telephone. If the local police force is accessible, confidence in it is increased. And with increased confidence comes a decrease in the fear of crime, sometimes unjustified, which blights the lives of so many people.

It is very unfortunate, then, that West Yorkshire police are considering closing many front counters to members of the public as part of a plan to save almost £1 million over the next two years. If that happens residents will no longer be able to call in to their local police stations in Shipley, Bingley, Brighouse, Heckmondwike, Otley or Cleckheaton.

While many people will understand the need for the force to act to cope with a £17.7 million budget shortfall, this seems an unwise way to do it. The police may not believe that the public use the facility often enough for it to be a worthwhile expenditure of scarce funds. But whether they use it or not people gain confidence from knowing it's there if they need it. Given the level of concern, the police should think again.