Former Kidwelly police station to be sold

The property that formerly housed the police station in Kidwelly is to be sold, in line with wider changes that will modernise and improve the policing service in Carmarthenshire.

Officers that serve the community of Kidwelly will continue to work from their base in Kidwelly Fire Station and Burry Port and continue to ensure a visible presence and effective engagement with residents and businesses in Kidwelly.

This sale is part of a change programme across Heddlu Dyfed-Powys Police, where estates, technology, and the equipment available to officers and staff are coming together to improve policing and the service to communities.

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 building has been leased to a local food bank over the past two years, and this opportunity allows all parties to consider acquisition and release the asset for wider public benefit and certainty.

“The sale of the property is also 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 building is no longer operational.

“I want to reassure the local community 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 Kidwelly will see no difference.
“Your local neighbourhood policing team will continue to provide a visible presence and effective engagement with residents and businesses.”

The building at Banc Pendre, Kidwelly will go to market in the coming days.

Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn said: “The former station in Kidwelly has not been operationally utilised as a Police Station for several years, following a decision by Dyfed-Powys Police to merge the police base with the Mid and West Wales Fire Service’s Station in Kidwelly.

A decision has now been made as part of wider Estates plans in Dyfed-Powys Police to sell the property which currently is being utilised as a rural resource centre that facilitates various support for the wider area.

“Historically, talk of police bases moving or stations closing and being sold, has triggered a narrative of police withdrawing from communities, fears about response times, and concerns about an increase in crime and disorder. Therefore, I would like to reassure the local community that Dyfed-Powys Police are not withdrawing services from Kidwelly town.

“Collaborating with other blue light emergency services to provide a fit for purpose operational base, is a step forward in modernising and improving our services, enabling our officers to continue their crucial work with greater efficiency and effectiveness.”

“In May this year, we opened a multimillion, new sustainable and purpose-built Police base and Custody Suite on the outskirts of Llanelli in Dafen. This new facility for Carmarthenshire is a step forward in modernising and improving our services.

“In today’s digital age, we are fortunate to have various channels through which people can connect with Dyfed-Powys Police. In addition to phone calls, we encourage people to explore online methods and social media platforms used by the Force. These platforms often provide valuable updates, crime prevention advice, and community engagement opportunities, allowing people to connect and engage with the police and stay informed about local issues.

“By utilising these alternative channels, we can collectively contribute to more responsive and efficient policing, allowing Dyfed-Powys Police to focus on critical situations while still addressing the concerns and needs of our community.
“If anyone has questions or concerns, I encourage you to reach out to my office. We value your input and appreciate your ongoing support in ensuring the safety and well-being of our communities.”

Local communities can contribute to more responsive and efficient policing by using online methods of contact. If you need the police when it is not an emergency, you can contact them through a direct message on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, online, by emailing 101@dyfed-powys.police.uk, or by calling 101. If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired text the non-emergency number on 07811 311 908.

Follow your Neighbourhood Policing Teams at Kidwelly, Burry Port, Five Roads, and Ponthenri Police on Facebook and @DPPBurryPort on Twitter for all policing news, appeals and notification of engagement events.
If a crime is in progress, or there is a danger to life, risk of serious injury, or damage to property, always dial 999.