POLICE inquiry offices in west and north Wiltshire towns are closing to the public.

Only stations in Trowbridge, Melksham and Chippenham will remain open, but police insist the measure is a temporary one caused by staffing problems.

It means people living in Warminster, Westbury. Bradford on Avon and Corsham will not be able to walk into their local police stations to report crimes or speak to officers.

Chief Superintendent Julian Kirby, head of operations, said they had experienced problems in providing staffing cover for the stations over the past 12 months.

The Wiltshire Times revealed in July 2005 that Westbury police station was being closed to the public, leaving the town's 16,000 residents left to report crimes elsewhere.

It was announced then a review of all inquiry office opening hours was being undertaken.

Civic leaders said at the time they were concerned about the threat to police station opening hours.

Wiltshire Police confirmed they were testing the inquiry office closures in the Melksham division, covering west and some of north Wiltshire.

A statement released by Chief Supt Kirby said: "To enable us to offer consistent and reliable opening hours to the public and be able to afford our inquiry office staff with support which they deserve, we have decided to temporarily close a number of inquiry office facilities.

"I would stress this is only a temporary measure to provide consistent and corporate opening hours to the stations listed and the situation will be assessed on a regular basis and if there is an opportunity to open other inquiry office facilities, then this will be considered, provided it can be done in line with published opening hours and on a consistent basis."

Police said they are carrying out a recruitment drive to employ more operators.

It said the launch of an automated call distribution system and the appointment of a civilian head of contacts manager and operations manager showed its commitment to improving links with the public.

Stations in Trowbridge, Chippenham and Melksham will be open from 8am to 8pm seven days a week.