QUESTIONS have been raised over the closure of Abergavenny police station before the completion of a new hub facility within the town's fire station.

Abergavenny's former police station in Tudor Street has been sold, with plans approved for retirement apartments at the site.

Front counter police services are currently being provided from the council's one-stop shop at the town hall, which is undergoing a redevelopment into a shared-use community hub.

Residents can report crime, get advice and make enquiries at the police contact point during normal opening hours from Monday to Friday.

South Wales Argus:

Jeff Cuthbert and Local Policing Area Commander, Superintendent Ian Roberts at the one stop shop

Plans are also in place for the police to move to a permanent, shared facility at Abergavenny fire station, which would operate alongside the service at the town hall.

At a Gwent Police and Crime panel meeting on Friday, Cllr Tony Easson said there had been 'disquiet' in the community about the hub getting off the ground.

Jeff Cuthbert, the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Gwent, said: "Our intention is to have a permanent facility, currently it's a portacabin, but there will be a permanent facility within the fire station."

Mr Cuthbert said he was aware of policing concerns in Abergavenny, and that a public meeting called by AM Nick Ramsay is due to take place.

Cllr Lisa Winnett said similar issues had come up when the police moved to a joint facility in Abertillery.

"Why are we getting rid of our stations prior to having these hubs completed," said Cllr Winnett.

"They should be completed first before we close our stations because it causes issues of morale for our officers and a lot of issues for residents as well."

Mr Cuthbert gave assurances he wanted "the very best co-ordination" between selling buildings and moving to new facilities.

"Please be assured that it's not a random exercise and from the estates side we do try to plan effectively," he added.

IN OTHER NEWS: Co-op convenience store in Abersychan trashed after ram raid for cash machine using digger

Newport mums plan to present 500 letters of objection to Newport City Council over parking charges at Tredegar Park

Julian Williams, chief constable at Gwent Police, said the force was attempting to address concerns about the reorganisation.

"We are confident that [officers] can deal with the issues wherever they respond from but we are very conscious about what you are talking about, the perception of where the officers, not only neighbourhood but response officers are."

Mr Williams added that the force has to take advantage of market conditions as part of such reorganisations.