LYDNEY'S Mayor Bob Berryman believes plans to close the local police station is " a done deal".

The retired policeman says the recent public meeting at the town hall made clear that people had to choose between police on the beat or bricks and mortar.

But he fears police could come to regret the decision in years to come when the town has 1,600 new homes.

Around 40 people packed into the town hall on Friday night to hear police chiefs say that they have to close the station if they want to keep three police officers and nine PSCOs on the beat in the town.

Lydney is one of 18 police stations, including Newent and Tutshill, earmarked for closure to save the £18 million.

"They say the plans are still being discussed but I think it is a done deal," said the Lydney Mayor.

"Being an ex police officer I remember 20 years ago when Lydney was the divisional head- quarters and had 30 officers.

"My biggest fears are the police station will go, the town will continue to grow and grow but we will never get it back.

"People don't like it but in the cold light of day, if it's a toss up between officers on the beat or a police station, there is only one way forward."

Police chiefs told the audience that officers would man a desk in Lydney library to maintain contact with the public.

Superintendent Phil Haynes told the audience that Lydney's new police station is simply not big enough to take over from Coleford as the main station for the south of the Forest,

Some residents asked for Lydney's PCSOs to work after 10pm but were told this could cost more.

Lydney is one of 18 planned closures across Gloucester- shire and there will be meetings in Tutshill and Newent on March 17 and March 21 respectively.