Timeline
- 2011 Lydney Police Station appears on a list of Gloucestershire Police Stations earmarked for closure by the former Police Authority2012
- 2012 Ownership of the building on Lydney High Street passes to the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) following his election with the aspiration of re-establishing it when finances permit
- 2015 The station is mothballed and operational resources are directed from Coleford
- 2017 the Constabulary seeks to lease out the property with no interest.
- 2020 PCC announces Lydney Police Station will re-open.
Two Gloucestershire police stations, earmarked for closure a decade ago, could soon be open to the public once more.
Lydney Police Station in the Forest of Dean, which was re-opened a year ago, is trialling a public reception. Barton Street in Gloucester will follow suit as soon as the building has been adapted to receive visitors.
The moves are in contrast to other parts of the country where a recent survey showed that more than half of UK police stations have closed during the last ten years.
Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Martin Surl said, “During austerity, all forces were forced to revert to more response policing but I have always believed in the value of strong community links and Gloucestershire Constabulary was one of the first to revert to a neighbourhood model.
“Improving the ways people can contact the police was a commitment I made on re-election in 2016. Although there are now lots more ways to get in touch, many people miss being able to walk into a police station and talk to an officer face to face.
“We can’t turn the clock back completely but I hope to be able to announce plans for more ‘blue light centres’ later. ‘Every crime matters, every contact counts’ is the ‘golden thread’ of my refreshed Police and Crime Plan”.
The Constabulary’s approach to neighbourhood policing has also been enhanced by the re-introduction of dedicated superintendents to act as local crime commanders. Forest of Dean Commander, Superintendent Jane Probert said, “Lydney has two front of house staff working part-time Monday to Friday 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., which we will review in a couple of months based on demand and foot fall. Coleford remains open full-time.
“The Forest South Neighbourhood Team operates from Lydney and includes a 12 strong team of officers and PCSO’s lead by a neighbourhood policing sergeant. It is also used as a base for the Tutor and Assessment Unit, so we have experienced Police Constables tutoring new recruits who are beginning their journey in policing.
“Both teams are responding to community needs, calls for service as well as proactive policing operations in the community”.
