POLICE officers operating from St Clears Police Station will move the short distance to Whitland Police Station, which was last used around seven years ago.
Despite the move, policing levels in St Clears will be maintained and it is planned that another location will be found in the town for the public and police to meet.
Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner Christopher Salmon, who owns the police estate on behalf of the public, said: “St Clears Police Station, which I inherited from the old Police Authority, needs very costly work, including a new roof and electrics.
“Our building in Whitland, closed as a police station some time ago and since unused, needs only limited work to make it welcoming to the public and a good place to work. It can accommodate all St Clears personnel, is in a prominent town centre location and has excellent road links with neighbouring communities including St Clears, six miles away.
“I want to use public money wisely and, in this case, it makes sense to move to Whitland. The Chief Constable assures me that today’s levels of local policing will be maintained.
“We’d like to sell the St Clears building and retain some of the proceeds for a new location in partnership with the town. I want to improve communities and am focusing on improving frontline services. This year Dyfed-Powys has 30 extra police officers and they’re spending a lot more time on the beat.”
The switch is due to take place soon – once new local arrangements have been made.
St Clears Police Station, in Station Road, is base to three police constables and two PCSOs. They patrol the Llansteffan, Laugharne, Pendine and Whitland and St Clears, Llanboidy and Trelech neighbourhood policing areas.
Mr Salmon said: “Our plan had been to remain based in St Clears but, despite much effort, no suitable new location was found in the town. We also considered sites in Whitland including the fire station and the ambulance station. None were suitable.”
Whitland Police Station, in St Mary Street, was closed before the Commissioner’s election.
This plan comes as part of a £15m estate modernisation programme across Dyfed-Powys.
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