THE front counter of Worcester Police Station has closed yet again - and this time it will be shut for three consecutive days.

The counter of the police station in Castle Street was closed today and will be shut again tomorrow and Thursday with the automatic doors locked and the lights off.

After the Worcester News made enquiries with the press office we understand a PCSO was asked to man the counter from around 2pm, allowing it to reopen.

However, it had been closed throughout the morning.

Worcester News: SIGN: The sign telling the public when the front counter at Worcester Police Station in Castle Street is closed SIGN: The sign telling the public when the front counter at Worcester Police Station in Castle Street is closed (Image: James Connell/Newsquest)

It is not the first time the front counter has been closed to the public.

We reported in March how a similar sign appeared on the window of the station's front entrance, informing the public that the counter would be closed on Thursday, March 16.

The message contained an apology 'for any inconvenience this may cause'.

READ MORE: Worcester Police Station front counter - why it was closed 

READ MORE: Worcester Police Station closed - go to Kidderminster 

The Worcester News understands that the front counter is used by people who wish to report a crime, by vulnerable people who are unable to use mobile devices (including those who may be the victims of domestic violence) and for sex offenders to register.

This is considered important as it allows offender managers to keep closer control over monitoring sex offenders in the community and protecting children and young people. 

The temporary closure means the nearest police station providing a front counter service is Redditch today and tomorrow and Kidderminster on Thursday. The police station itself was open and police officers - including uniformed officers and plain clothes detectives - were seen entering and leaving the building by the back entrance.

A sign in the doorway, which contains no message of apology, reads: "This front counter will be closed on Tuesday, May 23, Wednesday 24 and Thursday 25. 

"Your nearest police station providing a front counter service is: Redditch on the 23rd and 24th and Kidderminster on the 25th."

The message further advises people to call 999 for crimes in progress.  

Ordinarily, the front counter is open between 8am and 4.30pm Monday to Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sunday and Bank Holidays.

A spokesperson for West Mercia Police said: "We’re committed to providing an effective and accessible front counter provision to the public and this remains the case across Herefordshire, Shropshire and Worcestershire.

"Worcester front counter was closed temporarily for a very short period to allow for alternative cover to be put in place. The front counter is now open as usual. It is our absolute priority to ensure the public can contact us when they need to. For those with online access non urgent matters can be reported via our website www.westmercia.police.uk"