Kent Police plan to move their public front counter services in Deal to the town centre, doubling the opening hours.

A new public enquiries desk will by opened within the Deal Town Council offices at the Town Hall in the High Street, subject to planning permission.

It will be open four hours a day when the existing counter in London Road is only open two hours a day.

Kent Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Scott announced the move.

He said: "Relocating the front counter to Deal High Street will provide a more efficient and accessible service for residents, while also meaning Kent Police no longer has an operational need for its London Road site. Selling the London Road site, as part of a wider plan to streamline our estate, will save us £52,000 a year in running costs."

Charlie Elphicke MP for Dover and Deal said: ‘Deal residents have been calling for more opportunities to speak face-to-face with police officers.

"That’s why I have been pressing for front counter opening hours to be increased. I am delighted the Commissioner has listened and that will now happen."

The PCC has also approved the sale of buildings which are operationally obsolete in Leysdown Road, Leysdown; Wrotham Road, Meopham; Maidstone Road, Paddock Wood; and Edenbridge High Street.

Mr Scott added: ‘I have a duty to ensure all our buildings are fit for purpose, efficient and offer the best value for money for taxpayers. None of these other buildings are police stations and I have been assured local residents will see no change in the service they receive from Kent Police after the sites are sold.

"This is about making savings without impacting on the frontline."

Kent Police Deputy Chief Constable Tony Blaker said: "These buildings have not been operational policing bases for some years and by working closer with partners we are able to offer the public a more accessible service moving forward.

"Our communities will not see any reduction in our presence and neighbourhood teams remain committed to serving their local communities to ensure that the public are supported.

"In addition to the extended front counter opening hours within Deal Town Council’s offices, the introduction of online crime recording, local surgeries held by PCSOs and neighbourhood engagement meetings there are now more ways than ever to contact Kent Police."