CHEPSTOW and Caldicot police stations will close to the public later this summer as Gwent Police battles to meet budget targets.

Although the stations will be remain open as bases for officers, the front counters where people can make inquiries are to be closed from July.

Gwent Police says research has shown fewer people are visiting police stations and the closures are part of "an on-going programme to save money due to national budget cuts and the need to deliver an efficient and accessible 21st century police force".

Assistant Chief Constable (ACC) Simon Prince: said: "We want to reassure the public that our 24/7 presence will remain as strong as ever, giving rapid response to their calls for help and advice.

"Only the places and the ways we interact with them will change. While officers will still be visible in the community, society has changed the way it communicates with increased use of digital channels and we are finding innovative ways of meeting these needs."

The changes mean that 19 station enquiry officer posts will go.

 "So far, we have been able to save money to meet the national budget cuts with just one redundancy.

"Unfortunately these changes mean that 19 station enquiry officer posts will be lost. We have been in discussions with Unison and each member of staff has been fully briefed and will be given the support they need and the opportunity to apply for vacancies within the force as they arise"

 "It's important to bear in mind that it's officers, not buildings, who cut crime and we are determined that Gwent residents will continue to receive good policing services."

The amount of contact information at stations will be increased and will also be available on the Gwent Police website and social media as well as community buildings.

The changes will save the force approximately £500,000 and around £17 million of the £34 million it needs to cut by 2015 has been made.