AMMANFORD police station front counter is now open seven days a week.

The move is part of a modernisation programme which saw Dyfed-Powys Police's Carmarthenshire custody unit move from Llanelli to Ammanford.

As a result of the move the new opening times for the reception at Ammanford will be Monday-Friday 8am to 8pm; Saturday and Sunday 9am to 2pm and 2.40pm to 5pm and bank holidays 9am to 5pm.

Ammanford temporary Inspector Carwyn Templeton said: "I am delighted that there is now a dedicated counter service at Ammanford Police Station seven days a week, along with the mobile police unit at Ammanford Market between 10am – 12 noon each Friday.

"Furthermore, you will frequently see members of our local Neighbourhood Policing teams patrolling the town centre, especially in the run up to Halloween, Fireworks night and Christmas."

Inspector Templeton said there appears to be a common misconception among the general public that the station is closed.

"I would like to remind people that this has never been the case and we are in and open," he said.

"Whilst the counter service was removed as part of the force restructuring programme several years ago, Ammanford Station is one of three that is staffed 24 hours a day by uniform response and neighbourhood policing staff."

Ammanford police station is now also home to the divisional Protecting Vulnerable Persons Unit (PVPU) and the Divisional Neighbourhood Development Unit.

Inspector Templeton added: "Whilst in the past we have made every effort to provide a counter service at Ammanford, in periods of high demand this has proven to be logistically challenging. This move will go a long way to address some community concerns and I would welcome the opportunity to speak directly with members of the local community, who feel them may have constructive suggestions as to how we as a public service, can become more accessible to the general public."