MOBILE police stations are helping to ease the transition to close some of Gwent's police stations.

Earlier this year Gwent Police Authority started consultation on closing police stations in Blaenavon, Cwmfelinfach, New Inn and Trevethin, as part of its re-provision programme.

None of the stations have published opening hours and are only open to the public when an officer is at the station completing administration work. Fairwater station has been closed to the public since April 2009.

Under the proposals, services for Blaenavon would be provided through shared premises with Melin Homes in Blaenavon town centre and Trevethin officers would share premises at the new Life Station Community Building.

Services in Fairwater, New Inn and Cwmfelinfach would be provided through police surgeries, PACT meetings and mobile police stations.

The Police Federation currently shares facilities with police at the New Inn station, but if the proposals go ahead, the federation would be re-located and the New Inn station would be sold, along with the station in Fairwater.

Mobile police stations are currently being used to raise awareness of the proposals, visiting Blaenavon on the first Monday of every month, Fairwater in the second week of every month, New Inn on the first Wednesday and Friday of each month and Trevethin on the first Friday of every month. Fortnightly surgeries are being held in Cwmfelinfach.

A report due to be discussed by Gwent Police Authority members next week, states that the use of the vehicles is targeted around areas where a visible alternative to existing premises due for re-provision is needed and is having a positive effect.

Officers are also liaising with councillors, local groups and residents to aid the transition.