Llanfair Police Station to close

 

The force faces cuts to its budget and has identified a number of stations to close in a move that will save £1 million over the next 10 years.

 

But mywelshpool understands that there has not been a full time officer based there for several years and the town will still be covered by the same level of policing.

 

However the decision has been slammed by residents who see it as another kick in the teeth for rural services.

 

Myfanwy Alexander, a prominent local writer and broadcaster, said it “ignores the needs of rural communities” and has called for a re-think.

 

“This announcement is just another sign of the way in which the authorities are ignoring the needs of rural communities,” she said: “It seems that every branch of our community is under attack. Local policing means, in many cases, stopping trouble before it starts and people living in the countryside have a right to the same level of protection as town dwellers. But it is worth remembering that we fought the attempts to close both our library and our public loos: we must try to ensure the decision-makers listen to reason."

 

In a press statement, the police said that its buildings in communities that serve as a base for officers but are not generally used by the public have been reviewed. It added that in the light of the savings the Authority needs to make in order to balance its budget they have been deemed no longer fit for purpose and will be closing.

 

Chief Constable Ian Arundale said: “By closing sites deemed no longer fit for purpose we aim to avoid or minimise job losses and cuts to front line resources.

 

“While some sites will close we are also considering other options to ensure we mainatain a visible police presence in these areas. For instance, in some communities that could be co-locating with other organisations or in others we will explore the possibility of providing mobile police stations.”

 

Dyfed Powys Police also announced that it has recruited 18 new full-time police officers and 21 special constables.

  

The force needs to save £13 million overall between 2011-2014.