TWO local rural police stations could close if police authority members approve the recommendations.

Gwent Police Authority members are meeting today, June 30, to debate a report into the re-provision of neighbourhood police stations at Raglan and at Usk.

The report suggests that the authority could replace the two stations with viable alternatives.

One conclusion is to move the Usk Police Station into the Sessions House, sharing the premises with Usk Town Council and by operating from a mobile police station in Raglan (pictured).

Neither of the rural police stations currently have published opening hours and only open to the public when a police officer is undertaking administrative tasks within the station.

The report states that by relocating the Usk Police Station, Gwent Police would save £4,141 a year in running costs. The current police station, located next to the River Usk bridge, could also be sold at a suggested guide price of £180,000.

The current cost of running the Raglan Police station is £5,633 per annum, which the authority will save once a mobile police station is up and running in the village.

But discussions and meetings with several partner organisations in the Raglan area including Monmouthshire County Council and the Health Service have not identified suitable premises for the delivery of the community police service.

The current building, already located on the edge of a small housing estate, would be put up for sale with a guide price of £250,000.

The two reports form part of a larger consultation into Gwent Police force's re-provision scheme that aims to save money and improve the service in the community.

The report suggests that the proposals will be given a public consultation between August and October and could be implemented by Gwent Police Authority shortly afterwards.