AN election promise to have a Forest police headquarters is affordable, says the man in charge of Gloucestershire Police.

Police and Crime Commissioner Martin Surl says that having seen the the forces's books in detail he is convinced that his plan for Coleford police station can work.

The former Lydney-based police sergeant outlined his vision of local policing to Lydney Town Council.

"I'm now satisfied that my plans to develop Coleford into a Forest hub are very affordable and quite cost-effective.

"We are not breaking the bank or being reckless.

"The Forest of Dean has its own identity and it is a long way from Gloucester and Cheltenham.

"I can't see how you can rely on resources from there.

"Coleford is the only station in Gloucestershire that I said I would keep open.

"If, in a manifesto, I said I would do something I will do it. It would be disingenuous to do otherwise."

Mr Surl said he was in negotiations with the Ministry of Justice to buy the former magistrates at Coleford to enable the station to "meet the requirements of the next two or three generations."

"The police station and court is a cracking site and could be developed into something special."

He said there would be "substantial" consultation over the next two to three months on what the Forest hub should look like.

While the return of stations to Lydney and Cinderford is unlikely, Mr Surl hinted that there could be some presence in the towns.

He said: "If you have a hub there has to be satellites."

Mr Surl also underlined the importance of PCSOs (police commumity support officers) to his plans for the town and villages of the Forest.

He said: "It is my intention to keep PCSOs. Everyone tells me they do a great job.

"I will expect all officers to know their areas and the local intelligence such as where the vulnerable people are."

Mr Surl was also questioned on the impact of the 2,000 homes planned for Lydney but he thought it would not necessarily stretch the police.