RESIDENTS in Blandford will face a temporary disruption to police counter services later this month as building work forces the town’s enquiry office to shut.

Dorset Police has confirmed the closure from Friday, April 10 until Tuesday, April 28 for what it described as essential works.

During the closure, members of the public will be redirected to alternative services – with Gillingham enquiry office reopening on selected dates to handle all counter enquiries.

Gillingham will be open from 10am to 3pm on April 10, April 14–17, April 21–24 and April 28, dealing with services including offender register sign-ons, Section 165 vehicle release requests and the surrender of firearms.

Despite the closure, some limited services will remain available at the Blandford site.

Bail signers will still be able to report using the yellow phone outside the station entrance, while pre-arranged appointments with officers will continue as planned.

Firearms collections will also go ahead by appointment through the licensing team.

However, other services, including the collection of lost or seized property, will be unavailable until the office reopens on April 30.

Police have apologised for the disruption and are urging residents to plan ahead.

To help maintain a presence in Blandford, neighbourhood officers will host a Community Contact Point at the M&S Foodhall between 10am and 11am on Friday, April 17.

The drop-in session will give people the chance to speak directly with officers, raise concerns and report issues without needing an appointment.

For most enquiries, residents are being encouraged to use online services or call 101, while those needing face-to-face assistance can visit enquiry offices in Bournemouth or Weymouth.

Police have also reminded the public that 999 should always be used in emergencies, including when a crime is in progress or there is an immediate risk to life.