Having led a campaign for a permanent police base in Prestatyn town centre, and having worked closely with North Wales Police on the matter over a number of years, Vale of Clwyd MP Dr James Davies is overjoyed that the campaign has been won, and that a brand new police base will soon open on the site of the old library on Nant Hall Road.
In recent years, James has repeatedly asked senior officers from North Wales Police to increase the visibility and accessibility of police services in Prestatyn, through the re-establishment of a permanent police base in the town centre. In June 2022, he raised the matter in the House of Commons as a question to the Minister of State for Crime and Policing, when he said: “Neighbourhood crime and antisocial behaviour is better tackled with the police visibility and responsiveness that a town centre police station can provide”.
Last year he wrote to the Chief Constable, Amanda Blakeman, to request a meeting of key decision makers. This meeting took place in November 2023 and was positive, resulting in a breakthrough, with "in principle" support for a police base in Prestatyn.
In addition to engagement with the police on this issue, James also held numerous discussions with officers from Denbighshire County Council on potential sites and the benefits of a police base to the authority’s Community Safety objectives. Cllr Hugh Irving (Prestatyn Central) was also instrumental in highlighting the matter within county council discussions.
There have been concerns about police visibility in the town since the police were forced to move out of their former base within part of the former council offices at 6-8 Nant Hall Road, over five years ago.
In his discussions with the police, James repeatedly highlighted the fact that there are much smaller towns in Denbighshire with a police station, and stressed that given Prestatyn's large population, and the influx of tourists in the summer months, a police station in Prestatyn town centre was much needed.
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.
"As part of my campaign, I conducted a survey of residents and received an overwhelming response from over 1,000 people in support of permanent police base.
“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.”
Cllr Hugh Irving, who is a retired businessman and former Magistrate, expressed great satisfaction at the news.
He said:
"I have lobbied long and hard with North Wales Police and made this objective central to my campaign for re-election to Denbighshire County Council in 2022.
"The long overdue restoration of these facilities is exactly what the town needs and I congratulate all concerned with the successful negotiations to bring uniformed officers back to the town centre."
