POLICING in Penarth is set for a change, with a new home lined up because the old police station in Windsor Road is said to be expensive to run and not meet the requirements of modern-day policing.

A new community hub is to be opened which can accommodate a team of police community support officers and regular police officers who serve Penarth

The hub is set to be based at West House on Stanwell Road.

South Wales Police say the move will not change the number the officers serving the town.

While the modernisation programme is carried out, Penarth’s police station will continue to be used for a variety of uses.

The move was announced by South Wales police commissioner Alun Michael who said the force was maintaining a laser-like focus on neighbourhood policing.

“The police station on Windsor Road has been the home of policing in Penarth for many years, but it is one of a significant number of old buildings which are very expensive to run and simply do not meet the requirements of modern-day policing,” he said.

“Basing officers in the West House Community Hub will locate them alongside an important community organisation in the heart of the town, bringing officers even closer to the community and making them even more visible and approachable for the people of Penarth.”

Penarth Times: If you have a problem in Penarth you could be going to West House in the futureIf you have a problem in Penarth you could be going to West House in the future (Image: Google Maps)

The proposal has been developed after discussions between South Wales Police, the  police and crime commissioner, and the leader of the Penarth Town Council, Councillor Rhiannon Birch.

Cllr Birch described the move as a ‘forward-thinking approach’ to managing and supplying services to the people of Penarth for many years. 

“This proposal will assist South Wales Police to maintain and enhance local police services at the heart of the community,” said Cllr Birch.

Divisional Commander for Cardiff and The Vale, Chief Superintendent Danny Richards, agreed the move would place the force at the heart of the community.

“It means we can maintain a permanent policing presence in the town and also strengthen important relationships with the town council.”

Subject to agreement by the town council, work on the community hub will commence in the new year.

The plan will be put to the council for approval on Thursday, December 15.

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