FOLLOWING the closure, two years ago, of the Cinderford Police Station, a new Police Point is to open in the town this Friday, August 29.

Housed in the town council offices in the Belle Vue Centre, the Police Point will be a place that people can make an appointment to see an officer, and where police can hold 'surgeries'.

The new Police Point is to be opened by Gloucestershire Police and Crime Commissioner, Martin Surl.

Mr Surl commented: "Sharing a building housing other community partners, which is also well used by the public, will mean the police will be easily accessible and help them retain a high profile." He added: "I am committed to maintaining a strong policer presence in the Forest of Dean as I made clear in my manifesto. Coleford police station will be retained and refurbished as I promised."

Once upgraded, Coleford police station will become the main hub of police contact in the Forest, with Police Points as satellite stations in Cinderford, Lydney and Newent.

Cinderford and Lydney police stations 'will be sold at the earliest appropriate time'.