Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed at the beginning of August that they will sell four Police Stations across the Force area in the coming months.
All four stations are not currently operational, having been identified as not meeting modern day policing requirements.
In Carmarthenshire, Llanelli Police Station, and the old Kidwelly Station property are to be sold as part of a change programme across Heddlu Dyfed-Powys Police, where estates, technology, and the kit available to officers and staff are coming together to improve policing and the service to communities.
Milford Haven and Saundersfoot Stations in Pembrokeshire will also be sold.
Residents of the area have expressed their concerns about the decision to sell the former Kidwelly Police Station, as it is currently being used by community organisation CETMA to promote several projects, including PBP Foodbank and a community fridge, access to which some have described as a necessity as inflation continues to push prices of even basic food items ever upwards. Many have sent comments to the Police and Crime Commissioner’s website directly.
Jonathan Williams CETMA MD said:
“I can confirm that Dyfed Powys Police are going to sell the former Kidwelly Police Station building which houses the local Foodbank and other community projects.
“We are currently speaking with support organisations to see if there’s the possibility of CETMA buying the site and exploring all of the options.
“Please rest assured that the Foodbank, Kidwelly Community Fridge, Kitchen Equipment Bank, Online Centre Network, Megan’s Garden and our other community support projects will continue to run as normal.”
Assessments of Llanelli Police Station led to the decision to invest in a multi million construction project to build a new sustainable and purpose-built Police base and Custody Suite on the outskirts of Llanelli in Dafen, which opened in May of this year, prompting a decision to sell the town centre building, a decision which Dame Nia Griffith MP has spoke out against (see the article on this page).
Addressing the decision, Chief Constable Dr Richard Lewis said:
“This decision has come after careful evaluation to make best use of resources and deliver an effective police service that meets the needs and expectations of our communities. The closure and sale of Saundersfoot police station is a step forward in modernising and improving our services, enabling officers to continue their work with greater efficiency and effectiveness.
“The decision has been made with the best interests of taxpayers and the community in mind, as the current stations are no longer operational as they do not meet modern day policing requirements, and are expensive to run.
“I want to reassure our local communities that Heddlu Dyfed-Powys Police is committed to maintaining the same level of service and support for our local communities, and residents and businesses in Milford Haven, Saundersfoot, Llanelli and Kidwelly will see no difference. Your local neighbourhood policing teams will continue to provide a visible presence and effective engagement with residents and businesses.”
Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn said: “Historically, talk of police bases moving or stations closing and being sold, has triggered a narrative of police withdrawing from communities, fears about response times, and concerns about an increase in crime and disorder. However, I have been reassured by Chief Constable Dr Richard Lewis, that there will be no difference in the level of service to the public in all four areas as a result of this estate’s decision.
“As Police and Crime Commissioner, I want to assure the public that despite the difficult decision to close and sell the station, our commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our communities remains our priority.
“I recognise that change can be challenging, but please be assured that this strategic move will allow Dyfed-Powys Police to allocate resources more efficiently and will enhance their policing efforts.
“If you have any questions or concerns, I encourage you to reach out to my office. We value your input and appreciate your ongoing support in ensuring the safety and well-being of our communities.”
