AS part of Gwent Police's on-going programme to save money due to national budget cuts and, the need to deliver an efficient and accessible 21st Century police force, the authority has announced details of its plans for new service provision and accessibility.

Abergavenny police station will continue to open to the public from 8am until 8pm every day of the week, including Saturday and Sunday.

However additional changes mean that from July a front counter service will no longer be available at police stations in Brynmawr, Monmouth, Chepstow, Caldicot and Pontypool.

People have told the Gwent Police authority they want more police officers in the community and improved accessibility. Gwent Police has redesigned the way that communities can access services to best meet people's busy and changing lifestyles.

Assistant Chief Constable Simon Prince: "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.

"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."