DYFED-POWYS POLICE will open its new Carmarthenshire Custody Suite and Policing base in Dafen, Llanelli today (May 26).

Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn and Chief Constable Dr Richard Lewis will open the building in the company of local community representatives in Llanelli who will be given an opportunity to walk around the new modern, sustainable development, which has taken over 18 months to construct.

Planning permission was granted to the Dyfed-Powys Office of Police and Crime Commissioner by Carmarthenshire County Council back in April 2021 for the £18.6 million development, which Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn describes as a significant investment that has delivered a fit for purpose, modern facility for Dyfed-Powys Police.

As well as housing a new custody suite with 18 cells, some specialist departments and facilities will be based at the new policing hub as well as local response officers.  PCC Dafydd Llywelyn confirmed that the Neighbourhood Policing Team will continue to work out of their base at Llanelli town centre.

Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn said: “It is a privilege for me to be here today opening this brand-new facility and to finally see what was originally considered to be an ambitious vision, now becoming a reality.

“This has been a significant investment for us which has provided us with a modern, sustainable fit for purpose policing hub and custody suite that will meet the needs and expectations of modern policing.

“During the planning application process between 2020 and 2021, we engaged widely with the local community, and It is a pleasure to invite community representatives here today to mark this occasion.

“I’ve worked extremely hard with partners for several years to ensure that we get to this position and I would like to thank everyone who has worked with us during its development”.

The construction has been given a BREEAM excellence rating, for its sustainable credentials which include a photovoltaic solar power installation to minimise the carbon footprint of the building; a rainwater harvesting facility for toilets and non-potable water, and electric car charging facilities.

PCC Llywelyn added: “We are going to have to make difficult decisions over the coming years about the future of some of our estates within Dyfed-Powys Police. 

“The current Llanelli Police Station has served the town and surrounding area well for decades but does not reflect the high standard and working environment required by a police force in the 21st Century.

“This new policing base is part of our commitment to work with key partners to deliver long-term sustainable improvements to our estates and ensure that Dyfed-Powys Police retains a visible and accessible presence in the heart of the communities it serves.

Dyfed-Powys Police Chief Constable, Dr. Richard Lewis said:“We are delighted to have this state of the art policing hub and custody suite opening in Llanelli. The building was designed and built for the future with the wellbeing of our staff and the community in mind.

“It is an energy efficient and sustainable construction, and will become a base for a number of Policing functions across Llanelli and Carmarthenshire, complementing the Neighbourhood Policing Team that will remain at the town centre.

“I am grateful to PCC Mr Dafydd Llywelyn and the project team as a whole for delivering the facility, which will serve local communities for years to come.”

Chief Inspector Richard Hopkin, Dyfed-Powys Police’s operational lead on the new build said:  “Our new Policing Base in Dafen will allow a number of specialist departments and facilities to be co-located under one roof at Llanelli which will ensure less travelling to various sites which will lend itself to a more efficient and effective operating model.

“The custody suite is also a state of the art facility which will significantly raise the standard of care being provided to detainees at the suite which includes a dedicated vulnerability wing which will ensure the safeguarding of the most vulnerable detainees that are housed at the facility.”

A LOCAL couple have hailed the positive impact of an exercise scheme that has helped them maintain independence and continue to enjoy life.

Richard and Gwenda Innes from Pentlepoir were separately referred to the National Exercise Scheme in 2022 and took up a 16 week programme.

The scheme, run by Public Health Wales and delivered in Pembrokeshire Leisure Centres, aims to help people rehabilitate from and live with a range of different medical conditions, maintain general health, improve functional capacity and improve quality of life through structured activity.

Benefits include; reduced blood pressure, reduced cholesterol levels, increased mental and social well-being, reduced risk of heart disease and strokes, increased strength, mobility, coordination and balance, improved energy levels, reduced stress, anxiety and depression. Weight loss or weight gain, where appropriate, are also benefits.

Gwenda, 77, is awaiting a knee replacement operation and needed to strengthen the muscles around the knee and lower leg.

Richard, 79, had lost confidence in standing and walking after a series of falls.

Both were referred to the scheme at Tenby Leisure Centre and placed under the supervision of Exercise Referral Professional Tom Delaney.

The couple were prescribed a personalised training plan to ensure that the exercises were safe and effective.

This includes using a treadmill, exercise bike and other equipment under supervision with the aim of clients working independently over time.

The result for both has been remarkable.

Tom said: “Richard has lost over a stone and gained confidence, his ability to carry out day to day movements has improved. As he approaches his 80^th birthday he is proof that it’s never too late to make positive changes.

“Gwenda has lost over two stone and has developed muscular strength, her lower limbs are now stronger which has improved her knee function. Her increased aerobic fitness and improved knee function has enabled her to do things that she hasn’t done for years, walking up hills – Gwenda thought that this wouldn’t be possible again.

“Giving clients like Richard and Gwenda the confidence and competence to get active highlights how important the scheme is.

“Not only helping people live longer happier lives; fitter healthier clients have a reduced need for medical treatment and hospitalisation.”

Gwenda said the difference in Richard especially was significant and both were continuing to exercise at Tenby Leisure Centre following the end of the course: “Richard is now able to spend 15 minutes on the treadmill at a speed of 3.5kmph, set the bicycle on gear four for 15 minutes and then do a further 10 minutes on the hand bike.

“He is now almost confident to move around the bungalow without his walking stick and is also able to walk around the garden. He now comes with me shopping and walks around pushing the trolley.”

Pembrokeshire County Council Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services, Cllr Rhys Sinnett, said: “It is fantastic to hear this feedback on the way this scheme run in our Leisure Centres is helping people to lead their best possible lives.

“I would thank all the dedicated staff who are really making a difference to residents’ lives.

“If you are interested in the scheme speak to your GP or other medical professional and ask about eligibility for the exercise referral scheme.”

Clients can access the exercise referral scheme in all of the main Pembrokeshire Leisure Centres at Haverfordwest, Milford Haven, Pembroke, Tenby, Fishguard and Crymych.

Clients receive on-going support and encouragement from their instructor throughout their time on the scheme, although the ultimate aim is long term independent exercise.

There is a cost for each session which has been subsidised to enable more people to access the sessions.

More information can be found on the Pembrokeshire County Council website.

Caption: Gwenda and Richard Innes have lauded the difference exercise has made to them. They are pictured with Exercise Referral Professional Tom Delaney.

PEMBROKE DOCK HERITAGE CENTRE, a beloved historical institution, has been forced to close its doors to the public following a disturbing break-in incident that occurred last night.

The organisation, renowned for its commitment to preserving local history, took to its official Facebook page to inform the community about the unfortunate event and its immediate consequences.

In a Facebook post labelled “IMPORTANT URGENT INFORMATION,” the Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre expressed their dismay over the senseless act that has disrupted their operations.

They confirmed their closure until further notice and assured the public that they are working closely with the authorities to determine when they can reopen.

The organisation’s management is currently awaiting an update from the local police, who are actively investigating the break-in.

Once the police provide clearance and guidance, the Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre will promptly update their social media platforms and official website, informing visitors of any developments and outlining the necessary steps moving forward.

The break-in incident has left both the staff and supporters of the Heritage Centre deeply disheartened.

The Centre has long been a hub for the community, showcasing the rich history and heritage of Pembroke Dock. Visitors of all ages have enjoyed its exhibits, events, and educational programmes, making it an integral part of the local cultural landscape.

With a commitment to preserving the town’s history and sharing it with future generations, the Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre has tirelessly worked to create an engaging and informative experience for all who visit.

The break-in represents a setback for the organisation, but they remain determined to overcome this unfortunate incident and continue their important work.

The organisation said it encourages the public to stay tuned for further updates and expresses gratitude for the outpouring of support during this challenging time.