Police to move into Llys Llen development in Prestatyn

North Wales Police and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, working with Denbighshire County Council, have identified a town centre site which subject to planning permission, will become a base for response officers and the Neighbourhood Policing Team.

The site is Llys Llên, the site of the former library, which is currently under development. The social rented apartment scheme will feature 14 flats for older people aged 55 plus and two commercial spaces on the ground level.

Chief Constable Amanda Blakeman said: “This is something that Prestatyn residents and businesses have wanted for some time and I am delighted that we have now found a suitable building at the Llys Llen Development on the site of the former library in Nant Hall Road. Our officers and staff are part of the local community, it is really important that they are visible, have a strong presence in the town and are easily accessible to the public. This new station will ensure that we are at the heart of the community and close to the busy retail park.”

Andy Dunbobbin, Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “I am very pleased to see the proposal for a new police station in Prestatyn being brought forward. This will be an important and welcome development for the town and is the product of a great deal of effort and cooperation between my office, North Wales Police, the Member of Parliament [Dr James Davies], and the local council – along with the much-valued support of the late Cllr Peter Prendergast.

“We have listened to the local community, who have said clearly how important a police presence is in the town and such a presence also reflects the clear commitment the Force and I have to neighbourhood policing. Since my election as Police and Crime Commissioner, my plan has focused on delivering safer neighbourhoods, supporting victims and communities, and ensuring a fair and effective criminal justice system. A new police station, like this one proposed in Prestatyn, is a great example of all three of these priorities in action.”

Dr James Davies, MP for Vale of Clwyd, has led a campaign for a permanent police base in Prestatyn town centre.

He said: “I have worked closely with North Wales Police on this over a number of years, so today’s news that we will finally be getting a police station in the town centre is very, very welcome.

“Prestatyn Town Centre has thrived in recent years and is much busier than it once was.  Although crime in the town is relatively low, antisocial behaviour does exist, and success sadly also brings with it a level of criminal activity.  It is only right therefore that residents and visitors see the town policed appropriately. A permanent police base in the town, I believe, will act as a deterrent to crime and be invaluable in terms of ensuring rapid physical response.

"This is what residents and businesses people in the town have long been calling for, so they will be as pleased as I am by today’s news.

"A new station in the town will, without a doubt, make Prestatyn a safer place for all."

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Both patrol and neighbourhood policing officers will be based in Prestatyn. Neighbourhood Policing Officers will also continue to work from Rhuddlan.

Chief Constable Blakeman said: “Our intention is to sign a 15 year lease for Prestatyn once all the final legalities have been finished.”

Cllr Rhys Thomas, Denbighshire County Council’s Lead Member for Housing and Communities, said: “Prestatyn is a thriving town who’s population increases dramatically during the summer months. It’s important that the local community feels supported by appropriate neighbourhood policing in the town and I am extremely pleased that we have been able to help North Wales Police deliver on this.

“Llys Llên will comprise 14 council flats on the upper floors and two commercial spaces on the ground level.

"If this proposal is taken forward, the location of this development ensures there will be a link between the retail park in Prestatyn and the town’s high street.”