New operation aims to knock on more than 257,000 doors across Dyfed-Powys over the next three years

DYFED-POWYS POLICE has launched a major new community engagement operation aimed at visiting every home across the force area within the next three years.

Operation Connect will see neighbourhood policing and prevention teams proactively call at residential properties across Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Powys.

The force says the initiative is designed to increase visibility, improve communication, and give residents a direct opportunity to raise local concerns with officers and PCSOs.

According to Dyfed-Powys Police, there are 257,416 residential properties across the force area currently active on local authority council tax systems. The aim is for officers and staff to knock on every one of those doors over the course of the operation.

The scheme follows the launch of Dyfed-Powys Connects in September 2025, a two-way messaging system intended to improve contact between police and local communities.

Chief Inspector Dominic Jones said: “It is vital that we make every effort to connect with those who live and work in our communities, as our public deserves to know their local police teams and feel a genuine sense of trust and confidence in Dyfed-Powys Police.

“I know how much our neighbourhood policing teams care about their areas, and we are undertaking this work because we truly care about the communities we serve.”

During visits, PCSOs will also help residents complete priority surveys. The force says these will allow local concerns to be recorded and used to shape future policing activity.

Dyfed-Powys Police says the surveys will provide measurable data to help maintain community confidence and support problem-solving with partner agencies.

The force currently has 189 full-time equivalent officers and staff deployed in neighbourhood teams. This includes 131 PCSOs and 58 police constables, made up of 29 existing officers and a further 29 through the Neighbourhood Guarantee uplift.

To cover the whole force area, each officer or staff member would need to visit around 1,362 properties. Dyfed-Powys Police says this would equate to approximately six properties per officer or staff member each day over a 12-month period.

Chief Inspector Jones added: “By reporting back on our progress through ‘You Said, We Did,’ we will continue to build, solve problems, and maintain lasting relationships with the communities we serve.”

The force says Operation Connect will help it build stronger relationships by listening to local issues, addressing concerns through targeted policing, and sharing progress with communities.

CAMPAIGNERS from across north Pembrokeshire and south Ceredigion are set to come together later this month to press for action on the growing problem of river pollution.

Representatives from several river groups will meet local Senedd Member Anna Nicholl at Haverhub in Haverfordwest on Monday, June 29, to discuss concerns about the health of local waterways and explore potential solutions.

The event follows the recent Senedd election and comes as environmental groups seek to influence policy under the new Welsh Government. Organisers say there is an opportunity to tackle what they describe as an environmental crisis affecting rivers across Wales.

Groups attending include those representing the Rivers Cleddau, Teifi, Nanhyfer and Gwaun. Members have been involved in monitoring water quality, gathering environmental data, engaging with local authorities and the Welsh Government, and promoting greater public appreciation of rivers and their ecosystems.

While each organisation operates independently and focuses on issues affecting its own river catchment, the groups regularly work together on wider environmental initiatives, including river festivals and awareness campaigns.

Organisers say the meeting will provide an opportunity for campaigners to share their concerns directly with the local Senedd Member and discuss what further action may be needed to improve river health and reduce pollution.

The session will be chaired by Fishguard County Councillor Billy Shaw and community campaigner Vicky Moller.

The public is invited to attend the meeting, which takes place from 2:00pm to 4:00pm at The Sorting Office, Haverhub, Haverfordwest.

YOUNG people have helped bring new colour and creativity to Haverfordwest Railway Station as part of a wider project to improve one of the town’s key gateways.

A partnership involving local services, transport organisations and community groups has worked together to refurbish parts of the station and install new artwork, with a strong focus on youth engagement and creative participation.

The project involved South West Wales Connected, Pembrokeshire County Council Youth Justice, The Edge Youth Centre and Regeneration Teams, Kier, Transport for Wales, Dyfed-Powys Police, The VC Gallery, Haverfordwest Action Forum and local artists.

As part of the Welsh Government-funded Haverfordwest Public Transport Interchange scheme, Kier carried out refurbishment works at the station, including cleaning and improvements to the waiting area and public facilities.

An unused building on Platform 2 was also cleaned and prepared for the display of artwork. The art installations were funded through the UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund.

Young people supported through Pembrokeshire County Council services produced a series of artworks which are now on display in the station waiting area and on the Platform 2 building. Additional pieces created by local artists have also been installed.

The scheme is intended to create a more welcoming environment for passengers and visitors, while giving young people the chance to take part in meaningful creative activity.

The improvements form part of wider efforts to enhance key gateways into Haverfordwest, from the railway station to the new Haverfordwest Public Transport Interchange, and support town centre regeneration.

Cllr Rhys Sinnett, Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services, said: “It’s great to see art and culture brought to people as opposed to them actively seeking it out and we have a great tradition in Pembrokeshire of young people producing public art in this form.

“The fact that this is a wide-ranging partnership of groups only adds to the value of the project. I hope people take an opportunity to have a look at what has been created.”

Ian Rees, Regional Director for Kier Construction Western and Wales, said: “We’re proud to have supported improvements at Haverfordwest Railway Station through our work on the wider public transport interchange project, and to be leaving such a positive legacy for the local community.

“It’s been fantastic to see so many stakeholders come together to support and celebrate the creative young people involved in this project, providing a more welcoming space for passengers and visitors.”

Philip Merchant, Project Manager for South West Wales Connected, said: “As South West Wales Connected, we took on this project as a response to community feedback that the station was not a welcoming place, in its environment and for passenger wellbeing.

“It was a challenge and an opportunity to take this on as a blank canvas and it was so enjoyable to work with many partners who all had the same vision and reasons to upgrade this important railway station.”

Nathaniel Owen, Senior Customer Operations Manager for Transport for Wales, said: “Transport for Wales are delighted to have worked closely with Pembrokeshire County Council, Kier Construction, South West Wales Connected and local artists and stakeholders to deliver some small but important improvements to the station environment at Haverfordwest.

“We hope customers will enjoy looking at the artwork done by local people for local people when they travel with us.”

The partners said the initiative reflects a shared commitment to supporting young people, improving public spaces and making Haverfordwest railway station a more attractive and welcoming place for the wider community.