MP criticises closure of Llanelli police station

The Labour MP spoke out after Dyfed Powys Police announced the Llanelli station was one of four police stations in Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire to be sold.

Dame Nia has said she was given assurances by Plaid Cymru Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llewellyn that the town centre police station would remain after the opening of a new custody suite in Dafen on the outskirts of the town.

The MP added that she wanted to see more of a highly visible police presence in the town and that the closure of the town centre police station would not help this.

Writing on social media, Dame Nia said: “At the opening of the new custody suite in Dafen, I specifically stressed to the Police and Crime Commissioner the need to keep Llanelli Town Police Station open. His response at the time was positive.

“So now, only weeks later, what has changed?

“Llanelli is the biggest town in Carmarthenshire and we need more of a highly visible, on person, police presence in our town not less.”

Speaking of the closure of Llanelli Police Station, Dyfed Powys Police and Crime Commissioner, Dafydd Llewellyn said: “It has been known for years that the building does not meet modern day policing requirements and is expensive to run. Various assessments of the site over the years by our Estates department led to the decision to invest in a multimillion construction project to build a new sustainable and purpose-built Police base and Custody Suite on the outskirts of Llanelli in deafen, which opened its doors in May this year. Now that the new base in deafen has become fully operational, a decision has been made to sell the town centre station building, as it is no longer operationally required by Dyfed Powys Police.

“This move is part of a bigger change programme across Dyfed Powys Police, where estates, technology and the kit available to officers and staff are coming together to improve policing and service to our communities.

“Historically, talk of police bases moving for stations closing has triggered a narrative of police withdrawing from communities, fears about response times, and concerns about increase in crime and disorder. Therefore, I wanted to provide reassurances to the local community in Llanelli that Dyfed Powys Police are not withdrawing services from llanelli town centre.

“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 Llanelli as a result of this decision. I can also confirm that the Neighbourhood Policing Team will continue to work from their base in the town centre, ensuring a visible presence and effective engagement with local residents and businesses.”

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