POLICE offices across Scotland are facing closure or cuts in opening times after the new national force said it was reviewing its stations and how well they are used.

In a letter to local politicians across the country, Police Scotland said it was carrying out the review "in light of the challenging budget set", sparking speculation it was seeking to share facilities with other public agencies.

The letter states: "The Chief Constable [Sir Stephen House] has commissioned a review of the level of public service that occurs at police stations and to determine the most efficient opening times and the services provided.

"This will ensure we provide a service to match the demand from the public and may give opportunities to work more often in partnership to achieve a suitable public contact point, seeking to maximise visibility and accessibility.

"Recent experience has shown there is a decrease in the volume of visitors who actually attend at public counters at police stations. Taken in the context of an increasingly challenging financial climate and the need to make best use of all our staff, it is now prudent to examine this aspect of service delivery to the public."

In another announcement, the Chief Constable has commissioned a review of traffic wardens across Scotland. It is expected the move would see local authorities take full control of the service.

At present, only 11 councils, including the major cities, have full control over parking enforcement and retain money made by fines rather than the Treasury.

The letter states: "We are taking this opportunity to review, in partnership with local authorities, how this service is best delivered in the future."

Both reviews are among the first in an expected raft of changes to be implemented by the single force.

Strathclyde Police last year announced a review of its offices amid financial challenges and diminishing public use but then put the plans on hold.

Other changes, such as new headquarters in the west of Scotland, were also postponed due to potential complications arising from the move to a single force.

The letter to councillors, MSPs and MPs claims that with the transition to Police Scotland "it is imperative that we critically examine all our processes to ensure we are making the best use of our resources to focus on keeping people safe".

Police Scotland added that the review could provide "opportunities to work more often in partnership to achieve a suitable public contact point, seeking to maximise visibility and accessibility", a major indication of its desire to set up hubs with other public sector bodies such as council departments or with housing associations. It has also moved to reassure those receiving the letter that the review would not impact on current operational police resources.

However, the Scottish Liberal Democrats, who remained opposed to the single force, criticised the review of public desk services, claiming "one size does not fit all" when it came to access to justice.

Justice spokeswoman Alison McInnes said: "I think everyone would agree that Police Scotland needs to spend their budget effectively but there will be real concerns this review could lead to a reduction in local services.

"In many communities across Scotland, the local station is the most visible police presence and the easiest way for people to access justice. And we know that when it comes to local justice, one size does not fit all. Different communities have different needs.

"For people in rural areas in particular, the prospect of reduced opening hours of public counters will be a real concern. Coming so soon after the SNP's court closures this would come as another blow to locally delivered justice in Scotland."

A Police Scotland spokeswoman said: "We are reviewing policing operations across the service in order to deliver efficiencies and making sure we have the right structures in place to deliver local priorities."

The letter concludes: "Policing continues to face unprecedented financial challenges with a requirement to find savings and provide best value for public services."

Recommendations from the review will be put out to public consultation, The Herald understands.