SIR,

I was really upset upon reading the Beacon a few weeks ago about the forthcoming closure of the front desk of the local police station, which is to be replaced by the 101 call system.

Are there any more public services that the government is going to take away from Monmouth?

We have already lost the Job Centre and the payment desk from the One Stop Shop, what's next?

How is it that they are closing the front desk when I am led to believe that they actually own the building? I can't see what they gain by not using the building to its full potential when they are keeping other buildings open, which they have to pay rent on.

I feel that if they have to make cuts, why can't this be done from larger stations in the area instead of punishing the smaller communities?

I would like to thank the staff at the police station for the work and help that they have provided over the years and wish them all the best in their futures.

The ladies on the front desk will always have my respect, especially as they were extremely helpful when I had a problem in the past.

John Fletcher

(Monmouth)