PRINCESS ANNE, Md.- Due to budget cuts, the Princess Anne police south substation will close by the end of the month. Residents hope the change does not affect the number of officer patrols in the area.

Margaret Townsend, who moved away from Princess Anne, said she thinks the substation should remain open "because there's a lot of crime there."

But other residents understand the police are not immune to economic pressures.

"The fact that a substation is there doesn't deter a crime," said resident Brian Taer.

Princess Anne Police Chief Scott Keller said there will still be patrols in the area. The north substation, which is closer to the banks and the University of Maryland-Eastern Shore, will remain open. But some who work further down on Somerset Avenue are still concerned.

"I'm familiar with all the things going on around here," said Cheryl Mussen, who works at a store on Somerset Avenue. "I don't think it's just the banks they need to focus on."

Keller added that his department has saved significantly by having only one substation.