GWENT’S Police and Crime Commissioner Ian Johnston has said he is considering fully re-opening police stations which were closed due to budget cuts last year.

It is understood Maindee, Duffryn, and Pontypool police stations are some of those which are being considered in a review by Mr Johnston and senior police.

Mr Johnston admitted a fortnight ago police had “got it badly wrong” over the closure of Caerphilly Police Station’s front desk last year.

And he told the Argus: “I have been in discussion with the Deputy Chief Constable and the Local Police Unit Commanders to reassess access and the use of police stations in our communities. This review is integral to the work being undertaken within the force in relation to the wider review of public engagement.

“I would like to make it clear that the review will look at all options and there may be some stations in our larger towns that we need to re-examine in terms of opening hours in the New Year.”

And in a meeting with Plaid Cymru South Wales East AM Lindsay Whittle, Mr Johnston said he would consider more re-openings.

Mr Whittle welcomed the plan. He said: “The former Chief Constable [Carmel Napier] was wrong to shut Caerphilly station. It was a very short-sighted decision.

“So I am really pleased that Ian Johnston has taken on board my concerns and the concerns of others very seriously. People have told me how reassured they are when they know that police are close at hand.”

Cllr Christine Jenkins, who represents Victoria, supported proposals to reopen Maindee station’s front desk.

She said: “It’s the little things. It would be nice if people could report things and get immediate feedback.”

And Cllr Watkins, who represents Tredegar Park, said it would be “very welcome” to see a police presence in Duffryn again.

Since the station there closed, officers based in Pill have patrolled the area.

Five Gwent Police stations are currently open to the public. Newport Central station is open all day and those in Abergavenny, Blackwood, Cwmbran and Ebbw Vale are open seven days a week from 8am until 8pm.