GWENT politicians are set to take action after a leaked document revealed up to 20 police stations could be closed in Gwent by March 2011.

As reported in yesterday's Argus, the proposals to replace the stations with mobile policing units are being considered as part of Gwent Police’s re-provision programme which aims to save money, and improve and modernise the service.

The document listing the proposals was made public when it was uploaded onto Gwent Police Authority website by mistake.

Gwent Police told the Argus that no decision has yet been made to close any stations.

Plaid Cymru leader of Caerphilly council, Lindsay Whittle, said the proposal would be disastrous and was confident the people of the borough will be behind any campaign.

He said: “We were better protected during the 1920s and if what is suggested happens in 2009 that would be very bad for Caerphilly County and Gwent as a whole.

“People need to feel secure in their communities and closing stations will not help that. It is the elderly and vulnerable who will be affected most. I want to see huge protests over these proposals.”

Cllr Whittle has written to Gwent Police chief constable Mick Giannasi and is calling on Wayne David as a Wales Office Minister and Caerphilly MP to put pressure on the Home Office to guarantee that funding will be found to protect the stations across Gwent.

Conservative MP for Monmouth, David Davies, said he would be extremely concerned of any plans to close Monmouth police station.

He said he will be raising this with the deputy chief constable, Carmel Napier, when they meet in a few weeks time.

Labour Assembly Member for Newport East, John Griffiths, said he was concerned Llanmartin and Caldicot stations could be at risk.

He said he would strongly oppose any move which threatens the local community approach to police which has grown over the last few years.

Blaenau Gwent council leader, Independent Des Hillman, said councillors will be having meetings with Gwent Police to discuss any proposals.