FOREST of Dean MP Diana Organ performed the official opening of the refurbished Cinderford Police Station on Monday.

Mrs Morgan was welcomed by Chief Constable Timothy Brain, who said the reopening of the station reaffirmed the force's commitment to the town and to community policing.

"We are all pleased to be back in Cinderford and pleased to welcome Diana Organ to perform the reopening of the station. A lot of police forces talk about community policing and put a lot of effort into community policing and we do the same," he said.

"But one particular difference with us is that we not only practice community policing but we are fully committed to policing in the community.

"The reopening of this refurbished station reaffirms that commitment and Cinderford is one of many ailing stations throughout the county that we are refurbishing to make them fit for the 21st century."

Mrs Organ said the refurbished station was not only an improvement for police officers and support staff but also for the community.

"The station is now much more welcoming and inviting," she said.

The police station was closed for six months last year while the modernisation and refurbishment work was being carried out.

Although staff moved back into the station late last year finishing touches had still be made prior to the official reopening.