Dyfed-Powys Police Defends Decision to Close and Sell Off Several Town Police Stations
Dyfed-Powys Police, the largest police force in Wales in terms of area coverage, has recently come under scrutiny following its decision to close and sell off a number of its local police stations. The force, responsible for policing across Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion, and Powys, aims to save taxpayers approximately £10 million over a period of three years through this strategic move.
Several police stations in the Dyfed-Powys Police area, including Narberth, Llandeilo, Llandovery, Crickhowell, Hay on Wye, and Llanfylin, are set to be sold off as a result of this decision. While the station in Llandeilo has already been unused for some time, the remaining stations will also be closed down. However, the force ensures that a police presence will be maintained in all of these locations through a collaborative effort with the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service.
Chief constable Dr. Richard Lewis emphasises that these decisions are part of a broader change programme within the force, aimed at enhancing policing services and overall efficiency. Dr. Lewis states, “The decision to close and sell these police stations has been made with the best interests of both taxpayers and the community in mind. The current stations do not align with modern policing requirements and are financially burdensome to run.”
Police and crime commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn echoes Dr. Lewis’s sentiments, reassuring the public that public safety remains a top priority despite the estate restructuring. Llywelyn emphasizes the importance of embracing digital communication channels to ensure ongoing engagement with the community.
The collaboration between Dyfed-Powys Police and the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service signifies a commitment to enhancing community safety and effective emergency response services. Roger Thomas, chief fire officer at the fire service, expresses enthusiasm about strengthening the partnership between the two emergency services to better serve the communities of mid and west Wales.
While the decision to close and sell off multiple police stations may raise concerns about police visibility and response times, Dyfed-Powys Police emphasizes that these changes are essential for operational efficiency. The force encourages the public to make use of online services and social media platforms to stay connected and informed about policing initiatives and crime prevention advice.
As policing methods evolve in the digital age, the focus is on ensuring that resources are optimally allocated to meet community needs. The force’s commitment to maintaining service levels and effective community engagement underscores its dedication to providing a safe and secure environment for residents and businesses alike.
By streamlining its estate and operational strategies, Dyfed-Powys Police aims to deliver a more responsive and accessible policing service, leveraging technological advancements to enhance public safety outcomes. The force’s proactive approach to modernisation reflects a broader shift towards more efficient and effective policing practices in alignment with community expectations.