Ammanford Police station plans ‘horrify’ councillor (From South Wales Guardian)

Ammanford Police station plans ‘horrify’ councillor

4:00pm Thursday 21st June 2012 in News

THE face of the police in Ammanford is being taken away, according to the town’s newly-elected county councillor.

Cllr Deian Harries was giving his reaction to plans to close the town’s controversial police station to the public as part of a cost-cutting drive.

Insp Sion Meredith, of Dyfed-Powys Police, said the force was considering facilities at Ammanford TownHall or the use of a mobile unit as alternatives to the front desk at the Foundry Road station.

But Cllr Harries – whose late father Gwyndaf was a long-serving constable in the town – said he was “horrified”

at the proposals.

“The police front desk was a very important place – I just cannot see howa mobile unit manned by a PCSO in the Coop car park can replace that.

“The alternatives being suggested are quite weak – let’s be honest, the face of the police is being taken away.

Elderly people in particular won’t know where to find an officer.

“The police talk about the low numbers of people who attend the station – what they forget is that the building is in the wrong place.”

His views were echoed by town councillor Irena Hopkins.

“I always thought the police were there to help the public,” she said. “This just isn’t right – we need a police presence and people need to have contact with them.

“To say I’m disappointed is an understatement – I just don’t knowwhat’s happening to Ammanford.”