Setting up a temporary police desk in Marlow’s library alongside a tourist office could make it overcrowded and detract from its original purpose, residents have complained.

Last week Inspector Scott Messenger revealed officers could pop up in the Institute Road building while a new, smaller police station is built on Dean Street.

March will also see the relocation of council information services after Wycombe District Council took the decision to close the dedicated centre on the same road.

And concerned resident Michael New said the small building can only take so many uses.

He said: "In a month's time our WDC information bureau will be moving into the second oldest building in Institute Road.

"Now, at least temporarily, the local police force want to join them after their building is sold.

"It's going to be crowded. Does this mean less space for library services? Is it good to combine three public services in one building or not? Where will the police park?"

Police sharing space alongside library staff is not unprecedented, with Burnham and Great Missenden making room in their libraries for neighbourhood officers to take enquiries.

BCC says it is yet to enter formal talks with police over a possible temporary merger.

Martin Phillips, Cabinet member for community engagement, said: "Although we've not been approached about a police facility at Marlow Library, I'd be very happy to discuss this with Thames Valley Police.

"I'm always keen to develop partnerships that help our libraries grow as hubs in the heart of the community."

However, some Marlow residents say the library should be used for its primary purpose and investment made into buying more books instead.

Jenny Coutts said this week on Facebook: "It's not like we want to fill the library with books or anything! Bucks seems determined to ensure that Bucks libraries have fewer books (particularly fiction) than similar sized libraries in Oxon and Berkshire, so I suppose they might as well fill it up with council services instead.

Insp. Messenger said police were in early talks over the switch to the library, with the Dean Street site set to go up for sale at the end of February.

Part of the deal on the town centre plot will be building a smaller, purpose built police office which will better suit Marlow’s needs according to officers.

However, not all residents think the temporary move will damage the library’s prospects.

Joining the debate on social media, Marlovian Ali Gaunt said: "It is a shame, but on the upside we do have an awesome library and staff in Marlow. Maybe more people will discover it."