A front counter service at two island police stations is to restart next month.

Southside and Somerset police stations will both be manned by station duty officers from tomorrow.

A police spokesman said: “The organisation is looking at developing its current community policing model and the reopening of the stations is part of that plan.”

Both stations lost front counter service two years ago because of a low volume of inquiries.

The hours of operation at both locations will be 8am to 8pm seven days a week.

The spokesman said: “An assessment of the volume of enquiries will be completed within six months of the opening with a view to identifying a long-term strategy.”

Hamilton is the only police station with 24/7 counter service.