Police area 'madness'

9:37am Tuesday 15th April 2008

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NORTH Pembrokeshire is losing out when it comes to policing, according to worried St Dogmaels residents.

And the leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, Cllr John Davies, said it was "madness" that the village was policed from Fishguard rather than nearby Cardigan.

Fears that the north end of the county was being forgotten, was aired at a multi agency forum last Thursday.

Cllr Ian Gollop said: "It's easy to be forgotten in the north end of Pembrokeshire, unless we make a noise".

Cllr John Davies, who sits on the Police Authority, said: "The lack of policing in North Pembrokeshire is a concern, considering that 8,000 people live north of Newport. It is madness that Cardigan are not allowed to look after places so close."

A scheme is available to create a PCSO position in local communities. Cilgerran Community Council are interested in the scheme, and St Dogmaels were encouraged to team up with them.

Cllr Davies said: "There is match-funding available for this scheme. It would not affect the community as such, as it would be taken from the precept - it is a matter for the community council to decide what their prioroties are. It is not a matter of paying twice for the service".

The scheme, which was previously refused by St Dogmaels Community Council, was met with enthusiasm by local residents.

Rev Dorrien Davies said: "Now that we are aware of this we should have a chance to voice an opinion as a community".

John Davies said: "Don't dismiss it at this stage - If you can get a foot in the door then progress is being made".

A public meeting to discuss the scheme, along with proposed CCTV installment in the village car park, and the re-instatement of a neighbourhood watch scheme will be held on Wednesay, April 23. The meeting will be held in the village hall at 7pm.