THORNBURY’s police station has been put up for sale.

Avon and Somerset Constabulary announced on Friday, May 18 that the building was on the market as part of a radical overhaul forcewide but that policing would not be affected by the station's closure.

They insisted that the neighbourhood and local response teams would remain in the town after the sale and relocate to South Gloucestershire Council’s Castle Street offices, though no date has yet been set for the move.

An Avon and Somerset Police spokesman told the Gazette it could take up to a year or more to sell off the building.

"Thornbury Police Station is being marketed to start the process of finding a potential buyer for the site," he said.

"Policing services for the local community will remain completely unaffected."

He added that the existing police station would not close until the neighbourhood team had moved into the local authority’s Thornbury offices.

"As now, the closest enquiry offices are Filton, Southmead and Chipping Sodbury," he said. "Alternatively you can book an appointment with one of the neighbourhood team by calling us on 101."

The Rock Street station’s front desk had already shut to the public in May 2011 in response to a drop in demand. It had been averaging one or two visits per hour, with only four needing to be dealt with in person each month.

Thornbury Cllr Maggie Tyrrell said the move to more modern offices on Castle Street could have a positive impact on policing, especially as it would allow for a stronger links between the local authority and the neighbourhood team.

"We have been reassured that we won’t be losing any of the police staff," she said.

"I don't see it as a negative. We knew that the building was too big for the number of police that were serving the town. The office was closed for a lot of the time anyway. It was an odd situation."

A Police Contact Point was also set up at South Gloucestershire Council’s Thornbury offices last year following the front desk’s closure and will remain in place when officers move into the building.

The contact point gives the public access to the local teams by telephone and the force’s website. It also provides information about beat surgeries in the area and a secure box for people to leave messages.

To make an appointment with an officer call 101 or email ssnthornbury@avonandsomerset.police.uk