CCTV monitoring is set to be brought back across the Dyfed-Powys police area.

The plan has been put forward by police and crime commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn and Plaid Cymru to help “keep our communities safe”.

Former crime commissioner Christopher Salmon stopped CCTV monitoring two years ago after a report concluded removing cameras did not result in significant rises in crime.

Following a public meeting held on Friday, January 27, Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Panel agreed on a precept increase to enable plans to re-invest in CCTV and lead to improvements in Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) grading for the force.

An average band D household would have to pay an extra 27p per week under the new plans.

Mr Llywelyn said: “My decision to ask for an increase in the amount of money our communities pay towards policing was not made lightly.

“The precept agreed by the Police and Crime Panel equates to an additional 27p per week, per household for an average band D property.

“This band D tax will be at a level that is 6.9 per cent higher than the 2016/17 level and is 1.55 per cent higher than the 2014/15 level.

“This increase in budget will enable me to move ahead with my plans to re-invest in CCTV across the counties, as well as enhance the service provided to our most rural communities.”

Mr Llywelyn referred to a previous consultation when considering his latest plans.

“The consultation I undertook at the end of last year confirmed that our communities are willing to pay more for policing. The majority suggested they were in support of an increase of up to 5 per cent, with some willing to go to 10 per cent.

“I am very aware of financial demands our communities face and have done my best to keep the increase to a minimum.

“In light of a freeze on precept last year, a cut of 5 per cent in the previous year and the continuation of cuts to police budgets nationally, no increase was not an option. And I will use every penny of this increase to ensure that we continue to do everything possible to keep our communities safe.

“The increase means that the communities served by Dyfed-Powys Police continue to pay the least for their local policing, when compared to the other Welsh forces.”