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Police commissioner: ‘Prioritise spending on bobbies not bricks’

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comissionerTHE POLICE landscape of Dyfed-Powys is to change, with leading figures planning a force more in tune with modern public needs. The change comes in the form of a long-term estates strategy agreed by Police and Crime Commissioner Christopher Salmon and Chief Constable Simon Prince. It follows a review of all properties used by the police around Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire and Powys. The strategy aims to balance the need for community policing and other force operations with the cost of using and maintaining buildings with public money. Mr Salmon, who owns the police estate as part of his work, said: “I want to prioritise our spending on bobbies not bricks. “The estates strategy will help ensure police officers can be seen and contacted in line with the public’s modern needs and wishes. “It will ensure that our communities receive an effective, efficient and professional service. “With some of our many buildings being expensive to run or under-used, the strategy will mean a wise use of public money. “Front line services will be prioritised with innovation in the use of buildings and technology. We’re looking at solutions such as sharing spaces with partner agencies and organisations. “Much of our existing property will be retained but the services operated from some will relocate to nearby premises in the same community. “For some locations we seek alternative arrangements after which the existing premises will close. New, well-considered arrangements will be put in place and publicised before any relocation or closure occurs. “The whole process will take up to three years; individual plans will be made for each area and will be carefully thought through with the needs of the community and the region taken into account. “I understand that some people may be concerned at the prospect of change but I assure them that they can start looking forward to improved services. “In the meantime, we’ve created 30 new police officer posts in response to what the public have consistently told me in the 18 months since my election – they want to see officers on the streets. After all, it’s bobbies that catch criminals – not bricks.” Mr Prince said: “My priority is to ensure that the appropriate number of police officers and PCSOs are working within our communities. “To achieve this, we’re thinking differently – with efficiency in mind – as to how we best use our police buildings. “Our new approach is very much about ‘business as usual’, with officers sharing space with partner agencies, using mobile police stations and promoting local visibility and engagement opportunities.” The force uses around 70 sites with total annual running costs of around £2.9m and a 10-year maintenance requirement of around £10.3m. Force priorities have evolved in recent years, with a greater emphasis now on community policing. Central funding is down from around £60.5m in 2011-12 to £53m in 2014-15. Recent Dyfed-Powys Police initiatives have included a pledge that “When we’re in, we’re open” – police station visitors are seen as long as an officer is on site and it is safe to do so. To tell Mr Salmon what you would like to see from your local policing services in future, contact his office: Mail – OPCC, PO Box 99, Llangunnor, Carmarthen, SA31 2PF; email – opcc@dyfed-powys. pnn.police.uk. Talk on Twitter using #MyPolicePlaces.

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Business

Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

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PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.

The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.

The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.

A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”

Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.

Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.

From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.

Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.

(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

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Community

Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend

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ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.

In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”

Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.

Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.

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Crime

Three men from London admit their guilt over illegal cannabis farm

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THREE men admit their guilt after police discover over 700 cannabis plants during a raid on a former school building in Llandysul.

Officers from Dyfed-Powys Police executed a warrant at the former Ysgol Gynradd Llandysul on Heol Llyn Y Fran on November 15. Inside, they found 737 cannabis plants spread across multiple rooms.

Armeld Troksi, 29, and Njazi Gjana, 27, both from Empire Avenue in Edmonton, London, along with Ervin Gjana, 24, from Durham Avenue in Romford, were arrested at the scene and later charged with producing cannabis.

The three men appeared before Swansea Crown Court, where they admitted their involvement in the illegal operation. Defence solicitor Joshua Scouller requested a pre-sentence report for Ervin Gjana, which was granted by Judge Geraint Walters.

Sentencing is scheduled for January 20.

A Dyfed-Powys Police spokesperson said: “Following a warrant executed at the former school on Heol Llyn Y Fran, officers discovered a significant cannabis grow containing 737 plants.

“We are grateful to the local community for their continued support and cooperation. Officers will remain in the area while the site is secured.

“Our commitment remains firm in disrupting drug production and supply networks across our force area.

“We encourage residents to report any suspicious activity, no matter how small it may seem. Every piece of information can make a difference, and reports can easily be submitted through our website.”

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