PORTISHEAD Police Station has closed its doors for the final time.

The town’s police team has been relocated from the South Avenue station to the force headquarters in Valley Road, as part of a cost-cutting exercise.

In a deliberate step to reassure residents the move will not remove police officers and PCSOs from the heart of the community, more opportunities for people to meet members of the team have been created.

The number of beat surgeries being held in the mobile police station has increased from two, to at least three, at a variety of locations every month.

The mobile unit is on the forecourt outside Lloyds Bank in High Street between 9-10am, the Waverley Court piazza from 10.15-11.15am, Avon Way car park from 11.30am-12.30pm and outside the Lake Grounds café from 12.45-1.30pm.

The surgeries also take place at Pill’s shopping precinct at Baltic Place between 2-3pm and outside Portbury Village Hall in High Street from 3.15-4pm.

The beat surgeries are in operation today (Wed) and next month the surgery days will be February 5, 12 and 26.

In addition to the extra surgeries, the public will be able to speak to a police officer or PCSO at Portishead Library in Harbour Road. Regular dates and times will be confirmed in the near future.

Sergeant Jim Robinson said: “Just like before the move, residents will be able to call 101 or contact us via a hatch phone (at the north gate of the HQ) to book an appointment with a Portishead police officer.

“We will remain in the heart of the town and will be easily accessible in person via our beat surgeries, on patrol and at the library.”

In December, planning permission was granted to change the South Avenue police station into a children’s nursery.