Doubts cast on police decision to move into Prestatyn development

Police are hoping to secure a 15-year-lease at the Llys Llen scheme, Prestatyn's old library, subject to planning permission. The site will home response officers and the Neighbourhood Policing Team.

The development features 14 flats plus and two commercial spaces on the ground level. It is not yet know if police intend to take up one of the units or both.

Ex-Prestatyn councillor Paul Penlington, who has been selected as Plaid Cymru's Parliamentary Candidate for Clwyd East, said it is "good news" that police will have a visible town centre presence in Prestatyn again, but he is concerned that the space was initially "promised" to the Prestatyn Artisans Group.

Taken in 2018: Steve Fenner and Peter Harrison (far left), of Artisan Collective, pictured with cllr Anton Sampson, Vale of Clwyd MP, James Davies, Gareth Davies (now MS for Vale of Clwyd), cllr Davies's partner Cat, and someone who worked with with Mr Harrison (Image: Newsquest)
Mr Penlington said: "Despite dramatic statements from some politicians, North Wales Police actually serve Prestatyn well and have had a base in Prestatyn for many years, in the fire station, but that wasn't publicly accessible.

"I am concerned that the space Denbighshire County Council (DCC) are offering, in the Llys Llen development, isn't publicly accessible and I am concerned that the space DCC are offering, in the Llys Llen development, was actually promised to the Prestatyn Artisans Group as part of the planning process.

RELATED STORIES

• Police to move into Llys Llen development in Prestatyn

• Prestatyn police to return to town after five years

• Ex-councillor deems Prestatyn project a six-year 'shambles'

• Prestatyn: Artisans group 'shell-shocked' as former library is to be turned into apartments

"The artisans were based in the old library and, as well as arts work, provided a community hub for many other groups and gave up their lease in response to the promised new space. When the demolition of the old library was first raised, local politicians were happy to publicise their support for the artisans group. Many of those politicians now seem to have conveniently forgotten that support.

"It is particularly disappointing as the police were originally based in the building opposite along with the town council chambers and community nurses. A large building that has stood empty for several years now, since the Wetherspoon purchase fell through, and could easily be returned to public use without offering the promised community hub elsewhere.

"That building remains in the original condition it was in when the police etc left it," Mr Penlington added.

"It has parking spaces, so you'd think it would be far more appropriate to return that space to the police rather than let it continue to stand empty."

Police quit Prestatyn in 2018 after Denbighshire County Council revealed it was selling its Nant Hall Road premises, which also homed the town council chambers and mayor's parlour. 

In September 2017, the old library was put up for sale by Denbighshire County Council.

Hardware, gardening and DIY retailer Bevans showed interest in the site and a space – on the second floor – was promised for the Artisans Collective.

Despite this favoured option, on 2018, the sale sign came down.

DCC decided to retain ownership of the business and revealed its plans to redevelop the site and create a mix of residential apartments for older people.

DCC told the Journal in July 2018: "We will be working with the Artisans Collective – who currently occupy the existing building – to ensure that the community space will meet their needs and enable them to continue to deliver their valued services in the town."