Police have been accused of failing to either consult or inform residents over the axing of opening times at Epsom police station.

The Church Street building was open from 8am to 10pm Monday to Friday but six hours has been quietly shaved off this, so it is now only open between 9am and 5pm.

The change was only spotted by a surprised Town Ward Councillor Neil Dallen, attached to the door of the building.

Even then it took two days for Surrey Police to respond to requests from this newspaper to clarify the situation.

A Surrey Police spokesperson said: “Whilst front counters at main bases in Reigate, Staines, Guildford and Woking will remain open from 8am-10pm daily it is not cost effective for every station, including Epsom, to offer counter services for these hours when demand is low.

“The change in counter opening times at Epsom Police Station has been done in advance of the publicised move to the town hall later this year so the police front counter aligns with the council reception opening times.”

Two weeks ago we revealed that, in addition to the planned transfer of police from the current station into Epsom town hall later this year, 30 CID officers were being transferred from Epsom to Reigate, something Surrey Police had also failed to mention until asked.

Commenting on the opening time cuts Coun Neil Dallen, said: “I am disappointed at the apparent lack of consultation, notice and publicity given to this.

“If they need to change they should be up front and state what, why and when change is going to happen.

“The majority of people work 9 to 5. If they need to visit the police to show documents (driving licence and insurance), ask questions, hand in something found.

“They are no longer able to do this and, to my knowledge, there is no alternative being offered.”

The force is hoping to save £52m over the next 10 years by closing police stations across the county.

The move come after a public consultation and review by Surrey Police which found many stations were under-used and expensive to run.

Tell us what you think of these changes by leaving a comment below on this story or by emailing Charlie Mole at cmole@london.newsquest.co.uk.