Narberth Town Council and the town’s Mayor have expressed their disappointment after failing to receive any notification from Dyfed-Powys Police or the Police and Crime Commissioner over the news that the town’s police station is to be closed.
Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that they are to sell Narberth Police Station and relocate to a new base with Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service.
Narberth Station has been identified as not meeting modern day policing requirements by Dyfed-Powys Police. As a result, and as part of a £10m savings plan spanning three years, a decision has been made to formally close the station and sell the property.
Yesterday (February 27) Narberth Mayor, Cllr Chris Walters has written to Crime Commissioner Mr Dafydd Llywelyn to express his disappointment in learning about the closure of the Police Station located on Jesse Road, via a press release.
“No correspondence has been received by the Town Council in any capacity from either Mr Llywelyn or Dyfed Powys Police, and we are now seeking answers as to why the town has been overlooked for their views,” stated Narberth Town Council.
“We as a Town Council are very disappointed in this press release, especially as this was the first time we were made aware.”
County Councillor for Narberth urban ward, Cllr Marc Tierney remarked: “The Police and Crime Commissioner has informed me that Dyfed Powys Police intends to sell their police station in Narberth and co-locate their service with that of the Fire Service at Spring Gardens.
“There doesn’t appear to have been any consultation on this proposal which is disappointing. Consultation allows for the co-production of public services and an opportunity for local residents to input suggestions that may enhance the final decision.
“Therefore, I have asked for a meeting with the Police and Crime Commissioner and the Chief Constable to ensure that the service in Narberth meets demand and keeps our community safe.”
Dyfed-Powys Police has stated that this decision is part of a bigger change programme across the force area, where estates and technology and the kit available to officers and staff are coming together to improve policing and the service to our communities.
On the same day as releasing the news on Narberth police station, Dyfed Powys Police also confirmed that the property that formerly housed the police station in Llandeilo is also to be sold.
Police state that collaborating with the Fire Service will mean that officers can continue to ensure a ‘visible presence and effective engagement’ with local-residents and businesses in the town.
Chief Constable Dr Richard Lewis said: “This decision has come after careful evaluation to make best use of resources and deliver an effective police service that meets the needs and expectations of our communities.
“The closure and sale of this police station is a step forward in modernising and improving our services, enabling officers to continue their work with greater efficiency and effectiveness.
“The decision has been made with the best interests of taxpayers and the community in mind, as the current station does not meet modern day policing requirements and is expensive to run.
“I want to reassure our local communities that Heddlu Dyfed-Powys Police is committed to maintaining the same level of service and support for our local communities, and residents and business in Narberth will see no difference.
“Your local neighbourhood policing and prevention teams will continue to provide a visible presence and effective engagement with residents and businesses.”
Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn said: “Discussions around police stations closing or being sold have, in the past, sparked concerns about police visibility, response times, and community safety. I completely understand those worries.
“However, Chief Constable Dr Richard Lewis has assured me that this estates decision will not affect the level of service provided to the public.
“While these changes are not easy, I want to be clear—our commitment to public safety remains unchanged. This decision is about making sure Dyfed-Powys Police can operate as efficiently as possible, ensuring officers and resources are in the right places to serve our communities effectively.
“If you have any concerns or questions, please get in touch with my office. Your feedback is important, and we value your support in keeping our communities safe,” he added
Chief Fire Officer, Roger Thomas KFSM, said: “Our Service is committed to keeping the communities of Mid and West Wales safe and by increasing the number of community Fire Stations available to Dyfed-Powys Police’s Officers further enhances our ability to work closer together.”