Police station plans remain

Plans to close the existing Llanidloes Police Station, moving it to another shared site, remain in place according to Dyfed Powys Police and Crime Commissioner, Christopher Salmon.

In July a public consultation was opened to consider ways the police force could make financial savings over the coming years. This included reassessing the force's estate of properties.

Newtown and Welshpool police stations are safe under the plans, but Llanidloes and Llanfyllin were earmarked for closure and relocation.

Today, Mr Salmon said the review was ongoing and options for Llanidloes were being reviewed "with a view to identifying firm proposals."

Talks are progressing with the public, councils, Chief Constable Simon Prince and others as decisions are sought on the future location of buildings such as police stations.

Mr Salmon said: “I thank the public and others for their thoughts; I’ve been encouraged by the amount and texture of feedback given.

“It will help the Chief Constable and I create a force more in tune with modern public needs. I urge the public to keep giving me their views.”

Solutions being considered include the police sharing buildings such as libraries, leisure centres, fire stations and community facilities.
A shortlist is being put together for review with Mr Prince.

The strategy, launched in July, aims to balance the need for community policing and other force operations with the cost of maintaining buildings.

Mr Salmon said: “I’m prioritising our spending on bobbies not bricks.

“The strategy will help ensure police officers can be seen and contacted in line with the public’s modern needs and wishes. It will mean a wise use of money."

Some police stations will remain where they are. Others will be relocated to an alternative site in the same area. Some will be vacated, with alternative arrangements put in place.

Mr Salmon said: “Any change will be put in place and publicised before any relocation or new arrangement occurs. The public can look forward to improved services.

“In the meantime, we’ve created 30 new police officer posts this year - and new IT means there’ll be 100,000 more hours spent on the beat next year.”

The force uses around 70 sites with total annual running costs of around £2.9m and a 10-year maintenance requirement of around £10.3m.

Force priorities have evolved in recent years, with a greater emphasis now on community policing. Central funding is down from around £60.5m in 2011-12 to £53m in 2014-15.

To tell Mr Salmon what you want from your police, contact his office: Mail - OPCC, PO Box 99, Llangunnor, Carmarthen, SA31 2PF; email - opcc@dyfed-powys.pnn.police.uk. Talk on Twitter using #MyPolicePlaces.