Residents have been promised that their police station is to stay open.

The assurance comes amid rumours in the town that the Burford Road station in Carterton may have its opening hours cut, or even be shut down completely because of a shortage of officers.

However, one of the area's senior policemen dismissed the suggestions.

Supt John Liversidge, of Northern Oxfordshire police, said: "Any rumours are totally unfounded. We have just completed a review of all our premises and, far from closing any police stations in the west Oxfordshire and Cherwell districts, we are planning new offices for local beat officers."

One has already been set up in Deddington and another is due to open soon at Heyford Park, near Bicester. He added: "We are also actively looking for premises in Burford."

Town councillor Paul Wesson said: "Rumours have been flying round. Even some officers did not seem to know what the future was."

Supt Liversidge confirmed the opening hours: Monday to Friday, 8.30am to noon and 1pm to 5pm (4pm on Fridays).

From now until Christmas the station is also open until 10pm on Wednesdays.

At weekends the area is controlled from Witney police station in Welch Way.