New Mid Wales police commissioner to hear anti-social behaviour concerns

The newly-elected police chief said one of his key priorities will be preventing local crime.

Fears about crime and yobbish behaviour in Welshpool have grown in recent months and in March a petition containing more than 500 signatures was handed over to the then police commissioner, Christopher Salmon, calling for a legal order to be imposed to ban anti-social street drinking.

Mr Salmon lost his job to Mr Llywelynin the police and crime commissioner elections two weeks ago.

The new commissioner has been quick to spell out his priorities and that includes visiting Welshpool to hear from councillors about the town's problems.

He said: "I plan a meeting with members of Welshpool Town Council in the near future. I look forward to listening carefully to their issues and concerns. I'll get out amongst local people and will do things that keep them safe. I will work with the police and others to make communities safer. A key focus will be on preventing local crime."

"I will forge strong partnerships, carry out effective local engagement and develop new levels of trust."

Mr Dafydd Llywelyn pledged that everything he does will be for the local communities of Dyfed-Powys.

To achieve this he aims to build "powerful relationships" with organisations and residents across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire and Powys.

He said: "I'm here to serve all our communities."

Mr Llywelyn, elected Commissioner on May 5 by voters across the region, began work seven days later.

He plans to meet police teams, other partners in criminal justice, voluntary groups and key bodies such as county and community councils.

Mr Llywelyn said: "It's an honour and privilege to serve the people of Dyfed-Powys.

"My early tasks will include the recruitment of a new Chief Constable to replace Simon Prince who plans to retire this summer.

"To help do this I may ask police personnel and the public what qualities they most want in the new chief.

"I also want to quickly address issues highlighted in recent HMIC reports.

"Beyond that I will sync the police with the needs of their local communities.

"I plan to deliver a robust, fair and reasonable scrutiny of the police force."

Mr Llywelyn has already cut some costs of his office.

The pool car, a BMW, has been replaced by a more cost effective Ford Focus, and the commissioner will not appoint a deputy, saving a salary of around £53,000.

Police and crime commissioners were introduced four years ago. They are not part of the police and as the elected voice of the public aim to make the police answerable to the communities they serve.

They aim to cut crime, deliver an effective and efficient police service and ensure that community needs are met as effectively as possible.

Day-to-day policing operations are directed by chief constables.