AVON and Somerset police has defended its decision to close the public enquiry office at Portishead Police Station.

From June, if members of the public want to see a police officer at the station, they will need to make an appointment, rather than just walk in and speak to an officer at the front desk.

In a statement issued by the constabulary it says the decision has been because more and more people are using the website and telephone to make contact with the police and fewer people actually go out and visit an enquiry office.

The 13 officers and PCSOs based at Portishead Police Station will still operate from the building but the front desk will be replaced by a mobile police station, due to launch in March.

Portishead is one of 11 eleven in the force wide area that will be made appointments-only stations.

North Somerset police sector inspector Steve Date said: “We just don’t get many people visiting our enquiry offices anymore, so we need to make sure we provide alternatives.

“We can do so much more when out in the community and the mobile station and contact points will ensure that the service provided is enhanced, not reduced.”

Sergeant Jim Robinson who is based at Portishead Police Station said: “The Portishead neighbourhood team is regularly out in the community.

“Officers attend PACT meetings, hold beat surgeries and listen to people’s concerns.

“Officers will remain accessible and appointments can be made to see an officer at the station or at people’s homes at their convenience.”

There are many ways the public can contact the police.

These include telephoning 0845 456 7000 to resolve an enquiry or to book an appointment, sending an email via the website www.avonandsomerset.police.uk or by attending a beat surgery or PACT meeting.