A MOBILE police station is to be introduced in Portishead and the surrounding areas.

From April a van equipped with computer and police information will cover the area, making it easier for less mobile residents and those living in the more remote areas, to meet a local police officer.

The project will allow residents to raise local issues, while also providing a variety of services including advice on crime reduction, Neighbourhood Watch news and property marking.

The move to provide the outreach service has been welcomed by people living in Portishead who have been angered by the imminent closure of the town’s police enquiry office.

Avon and Somerset Constabulary announced this month that if members of the public want to see a police officer at the station in Portishead, they will need to make an appointment.

From April 15 they will no longer be able to just walk in and speak to an officer at the front desk.

North Somerset Police Inspector Steve Date said: “We aim to enhance our service to the community, not reduce it.

“The Portishead officers will still be based at the station and members of the community will be able to contact them there.

“The only difference will be that instead of just walking in to the front office, people will need to phone to make an appointment and for more serious matters the police will attend people’s home address.”

New police contact points will also be introduced in Portishead in the coming months.

A special telephone point connected directly to Avon and Somerset police will be installed in public places like the library to make contacting members of the constabulary even easier.