Your readers are rightfully incensed by the proposal from Chief Constable Tim Brain to close public access to Cinderford and Lydney police stations. This proposal has never been debated by the Police Authority, as an operational decision it is the Chief Constable's alone.

At a time when the Government is pursuing a community policing ag­enda, it would be a  public relations, as well as an operational disaster to have "fortress" police stations continuing to be manned by police officers, but inaccessible to the public.

 Chief Constable Brain already receives more in council tax per household than any other chief police officer in the South-West as well as getting 63 additional officers funded by the County Council. He was also vociferous in his opposition to any notion of amalgamation of police forces.

Ten years ago, the D band police council tax was £68.90. Next year it will be £193.99.

Isn't it time that we saw real efficiency savings by moving police resources from senior management/command to the front line? Fewer chiefs and more indians operating from fully functioning police stations is something we could all support. – Bruce Hogan, Labour and Co-operative County and District Councillor, Labour Party PPC Forest of Dean.