Cllr Gareth Ratcliffe of Hay-on-Wye has expressed his concerns over the closure of Hay-on-Wye Police Station and the overall policing levels within the area.

Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed yesterday that the stations would close and buildings will be sold.

The Chief Constable stated that the stations are no longer operational by Dyfed-Powys Police as they "do not meet modern day policing requirements and as a result, and as part of a £10m savings plan by Dyfed-Powys Police over 3 years, a decision has been made to sell the properties.”

In a letter to the Police and Crime Commissioner following yesterday’s announcement Councillor Ratcliffe said: “I am concerned not only about the closure of Hay Station but also about the overall policing levels within the Hay-on-Wye area.

“While I understand that the station's closure and relocation is due to reduced police presence in Hay and Talgath, I speak from personal experience as a former special constable with Dyfed Powys Police in 1999. At that time, Hay Station operated with six PCs, a sergeant, and myself as a special constable, covering the Hay target area.

“I acknowledge that policing styles and standards have changed over the years. However, in Hay, we have not seen police officers walking the streets for a long time, and the same applies to PCSOs. While we do see them during events such as Remembrance Day—something we greatly appreciate—regular policing in Hay is virtually nonexistent unless officers are specifically called to incidents.

“If this is the future model of policing, it contradicts claims that officer numbers have increased. A comparison between the police presence in Hay years ago and the number of officers and PCSOs available today reveals a significant reduction.

“I understand and can see the support of a merger of fire services to cut costs and share resources, but as far as I know, this is not yet finalised, and fire stations would require adaptation for it to proceed. Additionally, health and safety concerns must be addressed, particularly as fire station entrances are used by both emergency vehicles and members of the public seeking police assistance should this not be completed before any change?

“Are we moving away from community policing and towards a purely reactive approach? This could overburden officers who are already handling numerous cases, leading to delays in justice and uncertainty for those involved. The system should support all parties fairly and effectively.

“I want to express my dissatisfaction with the current lack of police presence and support in Hay. However, I wish to make it clear that this is not a criticism of the frontline officers working in Hay, Brecon, and surrounding areas. These decisions are made by senior executives and officials, and they have a direct impact on our communities.”