Police stations return to village life

Villagers feel a station would be an 'asset'

In an attempt to tackle rural crime, a series of rural police stations are to built in bucking the 30-year trend of centralising police work.

The go-ahead for the new premises in west Wales, was rubber stamped by Dyfed-Powys Police Authority on Monday.

The force's Chief Constable Terence Grange said the programme was "vital" to tackle rural crime.

We will be paying a much closer interest in people's local problems

Dyfed-Powys chief constable Terence Grange

The move followed complaints from rural communities that crime levels and the fear of crime had deteriorated.

Oriel Jones, a businessman in the village of Llanybydder near Lampeter, said he had noticed an increase in crime in the area.

"Since we've lost the police station there's been a lot of thieving around the farms," he said.

"I feel it would be a great asset to have the police station back again."

By next year, the village should have its own police station with local officers.

Rural communities feel crime iis rising

Other new stations should also be opened in Crymych and Tregaron at the end of the year, followed by new buildings in St Clears, Llanybydder and Pencader.

In addition to that, feasibility studies are currently being carried out on a further 14 sites.

Mr Grange said that he hoped a higher police profile would deter criminals and reassure the public.

"We will be paying a much closer interest in people's local problems," he said.

"That means local criminals will be seeing a lot more of the police than they thought."

The programme will cost £1.25m - partly funded by a rise of a few pounds in council tax.