GWENT Police is set to have a new police station in Caerphilly by January, 12 months after the town’s old station controversially closed.

A new permanent site on Cardiff Road has been welcomed by a number of prominent figures after the temporary Market Street station caused a lot of public upset when closed due to cutbacks.

Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Jeff Cuthbert spoke after being elected earlier this year that opening a new station in Caerphilly was a ‘priority’.

Mr Cuthbert, said: “I have listened carefully to what residents have told me and I am pleased that we will be opening a new police station in the centre of Caerphilly.

We looked at a number of options and the premises on Cardiff Road provided the most sustainable solution to policing provision in the centre of the town. This new station is part of that commitment to ensure that we provide an accessible policing service.”

According to the PCC, they are currently applying for planning permission for the change of use and renovation work on the new site at 62 Caerphilly Road, which is expected to begin in the New Year, with the its front counter premises set to open in the spring.

Chief superintendent, Marc Budden, said: “Our officers are accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, however, we understand that having a presence in town centres can provide reassurance to local residents and visitors.

“We are pleased this provision is becoming available in the New Year and we look forward to working closely with the local community.”

Politicians from all quarters in the town have reacted positively to the announcement after many stressed that having no permanent site was making people fear a rise in crime.

Councillor James Pritchard, said: “It is great news for the many hundreds of local residents we have spoken to that felt the need for a station.

"Our campaign for a Police Station in Caerphilly Town Centre was met with unanimous support from residents on the doorstep. The public want a face to face service in Caerphilly and a closer Police presence generally. We're very happy with this positive news'.”

Once completed, the station is set to provide a space for the public to engage with neighbourhood police in a confidential environment, meeting the publics’ expectation. The new facility will permanently house the Caerphilly Central neighbourhood team.

Councillor James Fussell, of the St Martins ward, said: “We are very delighted with the decision, which is long overdue. It will give the public comfort and reassurance that they can speak to the police as and when they want.

“Whilst not having a station may not see a rise in crime, there has been a feeling amongst residents that hopefully it will thwart any issues in the town where that’s anti-social behaviour or a rising level of minor crimes.”