Reduced police presence at Llanfairfechan

Sep 4 2008 by Michelle Coyle, North Wales Weekly News

LLANFAIRFECHAN residents fear an increase in crime with a reduced police presence in the village.

Community beat manager Simon Evans has been the sole visible police officer over the last month in Llanfairfechan after PCSO Chris Wilby’s departure.

PC Evans is starting to feel the pressure: “I don’t really know what plans North Wales Police has for the village but with only one police officer in the area Llanfairfechan is undoubtedly going to suffer.

“With limited hours there is only so much I can do. With illness and staff leave in Conwy I have been doing the job of two people. It is essential I get some more help here.”

Llanfairfechan mayor Ray Jones admitted he was unhappy with the situation.

“The level of policing in Llanfairfechan has declined. It is very worrying. We have a bubbling drug problem in Pendalar and if nothing is done, it will get worse,” he said.

“Residents have complained to me about cars being damaged and anti-social drivers revving their engines late at night on The Promenade.”

Community councillor Gwyneth Thomas echoed Ray’s concerns: “Most of the kids here are smashing but a minority are causing problems. We need a visible police presence in Llanfairfechan which would deter anti-social behaviour in the first place.”

Cllr Andrew Hinchliff added his voice to the unhappy chorus.

“That we are not getting the level of police cover needed is a concern,” said Cllr Hinchliff.

New area sergeant Tom Prytherch was keen to reassure residents.

“I have been in the job for just two weeks, and as a previous resident I have a vested interest in making Llanfairfechan safe,” he vowed.

“It’s all very well reporting problems to councillors, but if residents are concerned about something they need to contact North Wales Police directly so the issues can be tackled.”