THE controversial closure of front counter services in Forest police stations could be reviewed, says Gloucestershire's new Chief Constable Tony Melville.

The mayors of the four Forest towns will be meeting the new chief cop on January 25 to discuss the closures made by his predecessor Dr Tim Brain.

On the day he officially took up his new post, Mr Melville, 47, made a point of visiting the communities in his patch – including Cinderford.

"I have worked in rural communities for most of my career and I understand the issues they face," said Mr Melville, who was previously Deputy Chief Constable of Devon and Cornwall Constabulary.

"I am looking forward to meeting the Forest mayors and hearing the messages they are getting from the public.

"Regarding the station front counters, there is the reality of manpower – it's police officers on the street versus police staffing the front counter."

His predecessor Dr Tim Brain created resentment by snubbing requests to meet the four mayors to discuss the issue.

Mr Melville first joined Warwickshire Constabulary in 1981, having spent three years as a police cadet, and served there in all ranks up to Detective Chief Superintendent. He has experience as a beat officer, traffic officer, detective, firearms commander and hostage negotiator. He had worked with the Devon and Cornwall Constabulary since 2003 as an Assistant Chief Constable.

At the weekend he went out on patrol with officers in Gloucester and Cheltenham.

"I hadn't realised that doing this would be quite so unusual, that's just part of who I am," he said.

"For me, the role of the police is to keep people safe and inspire their confidence.

"If I say it's important to talk to local people and listen to their concerns, it would be inconceivable that I wouldn't also ensure that I'm connected to the public in this way."

He added: "I will want us as a constabulary to be well connected with young people and listen to them as we do with all other sections of society."

Mr Melville moved into the county shortly before Christmas with his wife Jacqueline and three sons.