Monmouth and Chepstow police stations are to re-open to the public five days a week.

Gwent's police and crime commissioner Ian Johnston last week announced a number of stations throughout the region would be reopened.

The front desk at Monmouth was closed alongside Chepstow and 15 others as part of cost-cutting measures by Gwent Police in July 2012.

A statement at the time said the closures would save the force £500,000 – a fraction of the £34million worth of savings it needed to make by 2015.

But since the election of Gwent's first police and crime commissioner, Mr Johnston has hinted at his desire to re-open stations.

Following public consultation and after speaking with local police chiefs, Mr Johnston decided to overturn the decision in part.

As well as Monmouth and Chepstow, Maindee, Caerphilly, Ystrad Mynach, Risca and Pontypool stations will open 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.

Opening hours at two police stations in Blaenau Gwent will also be extended. Currently open for a few hours a week, both Abertillery and Brynmawr Police Stations will now open for between two and three days a week.

The opening of these stations has been accommodated within the PCC's existing financial plans.

Mr Johnston will review access to the police stations after 12 months, when a full public consultation will take place.

Raglan station is one of five across Gwent the force is looking to sell.

"I have attended over 400 meetings with the public since coming into office," said Mr Johnston.

"The closure of police stations and accessibility to them has been high on the agenda for many of our communities in Gwent.

"As a result of this feedback I have had discussions with the Chief Constable to review access to police stations in our communities and to see how they can be best utilised.

"I have taken action and delivered on the feedback I have received and I'm delighted to announce the reopening and the extension of opening hours of police stations throughout Gwent.

"This announcement complements some of the priorities outlined in my Police and Crime Plan with regards to delivering the best quality of service available for the people of Gwent, reducing and preventing crime and protecting people from serious harm.

"My plan also highlights how I will make the best use of resources and provide value for money. The opening of these stations plays an important part of that."