Jan 26 2012 by Richard Evans, North Wales Weekly News
THE planned closure of Colwyn Bay police station has been officially opposed by Conwy County Council.
Cabinet members at Bodlondeb rubber-stamped their opposition to the proposals in the form of a letter which has been sent to North Wales Police as part of the consultation process.
Councillors objected to the closure of the station on Rhiw Road and cited a number of areas for concern:
The police force’s estates review was not detailed enough, and while separate business case had been prepared, they had not been published, meaning the public could not question the method used to justify closure
An investment of £550,000 undertaken in 2005 at the police station would be lost
There would be a cost involved with the closure and relocation of the police station. What consideration has been given to investing those costs into reducing costs at the existing station?
The cost of moving the station elsewhere could be close to the £55,000 the force is trying to save by closing the building
The removal of the police station from its town centre location to police HQ would have a detrimental effect on public perception and the fear of crime
The loss of the current economic benefit to the local economy generated by officers based in the town
The Welsh Government has requested that all agencies consider their investment strategies for Colwyn Bay because of its position within the Strategic Regeneration Area. the council itself is looking to relocate jobs back into the town centre to improve the town’s economic stability
A greater emphasis on re-evaluating the lease of police buildings at St Asaph which expires in 2015, which could save £500,000
A possible alternative to closing Colwyn Bay police station would be to keep the Neighbourhood Policing Team in Colwyn Bay and consider relocating to either an alternative town centre location or Plas Eirias instead of police HQ.
The public has until the end of January to give feedback as part of the consultation. Views can be emailed to or made in writing to Draft Estates Consultation, Glan y Don, Colwyn Bay, LL29 8AW.