WILLITON Police Station is set to shut in 2016/17 Avon and Somerset have revealed.

The closure is part of a plan to move buildings and officers closer to local people.

A statement released today said that the enquiry office and local policing base will move to Minehead and that regular meetings will be held at Williton.

There were also fears last month that Minehead's custody suite would close following the opening of a new police centre at Bridgwater.

However Minehead will keep its custody suite but it will be relocated in 2016/17 from the current building in Townsend Road.

Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens said: “As we get ready to move into these three state of the art new police centres I want to be clear with local people about our future estate plans.

“I do not want residents to feel that the police are withdrawing from their area or street. Far from it.

"Our plans are about reducing the amount of oversized and under-utilised buildings we own and providing the best possible access for our communities.

“In the traditional sense police stations as you know them now, will change. Soon you are much more likely to see your local police team located with other ‘blue light’ services such as fire and ambulance or with your local council.

"This means that the police will be where you need them most, in the heart of your community.

“This is an exciting time for local policing and reinforces our commitment to serving our communities while being more efficient and cost effective with our buildings.”

At a public forum meeting held in Minehead in March, Ms Mountstevens said: "We believe Minehead Station is too big and we will be looking at other properties.

"I'm sure none of you would keep a building open that is not being used."