CHIEF Constable Tony Melville is being asked to make sure Newent cops have a base in the town amid claims that local bobbies could be working from Cinderford.

Town councillors say they have been told that officers will be wasting time travelling back and forth between Newent and Cinderford if the station closes.

But police deny claims this could mean PCSOs making 90-minute bus journeys via Gloucester at the start and finish of the working day.

Councillor Len Lawton made the claims after telling Newent Town Council the consultation was a sham because officers had already been told to empty their lockers ahead of a move to Cinderford.

"I understand the PSCOs start work at different times and have been told that if there is no car available, they will have to ride the buses," said Coun Lawton.

"That will mean three hours a day travelling on buses when they should be fighting crime in Newent.

"This has not been thought through and I have asked a colleague in the county council to take it up with the Chief Constable."

Newent Town Council unanimously vowed to fight to keep a police base in Newent at its meeting on Monday.