The future of Ashford police station is in doubt following concerns over its age, structure and efficiency.

This week, Police confirmed they are in talks about what lies ahead for the Tufton Street building, which was built in 1968 and opened a year later.

Scaffolding has surrounded the building for months and workers have been carrying out inspections to determine what sort of condition the building is in.

Ch Insp Kevin Dyer, Ashford District Commander said: "I can confirm that, as with any building of a similar age, a number of construction issues have been identified at Ashford Police Station and Kent Police are currently considering options regarding its future.

"No decisions have yet been made, but once they are the public and other stakeholders will be updated accordingly.

“Whatever decision is taken, policing levels in Ashford will not be affected and the public will still have access to a ‘front counter’ service with the same number of police officers and staff as at present."

A Kent Police spokesman added: "It could mean relocation, it could be repaired, it could be rebuilt, we just don’t know yet."

Ashford Borough councillor Jeremy Adby, who lives in the town centre, said residents should be consulted on what happens to the town’s police station.

Cllr Adby said: "As a council we have very little authority over Kent Police and what they can and cannot do.

"But as a resident I would be extremely concerned if they were considering taking the police presence away from the town centre.

"If the building is beyond repair, fine, then they have to demolish it. But I would have a problem if the police decided to pull out of Ashford completely."

Cllr Adby said the growing population of the town paired with its international transport links made it even more necessary for a police presence.

He said: "We are not talking about terrorism here, but we should be. We have to talk about a potential terrorist attack.

"This is a main transport hub for the country. We have a British Transport Police presence so we need a Kent Police presence too. It would worry me if we didn’t."

The opening times of Ashford’s front counter were reduced by 26 hours a week in 2013, with members of the public only able to visit between 9am and 5pm Monday to Saturday.

For non-urgent inquiries call the police on 101.

What do you think? Does Ashford need a town centre police station? You can leave a comment below, join the conversation on Facebook, write to Kentish Express, 34-36 North Street, Ashford TN24 8JR or email kentishexpress@thekmgroup.co.uk