THE future of Cross Hands police stations remain unclear as the police and crime commissioner develops his long-term estates strategy.

Talks are progressing with the public, councils, chief constable Simon Prince and others as decisions are sought on the future location of buildings.

The current stations in both Llandeilo and Cross Hands are set for closure, but with a promise that alternate facilities will be found. The station at Llandeilo is due to move to the Civic Centre early in 2015.

However, specific locations for the two sites are yet to be announced.

Following a six-month consultation process, commissioner Chris 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.”

Solutions being considered include the police sharing buildings such as libraries, leisure centres, fire stations and community facilities.

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.