North Wales Police slammed for removal of officers from Old Colwyn

Oct 8 2009 by Richard Evans, North Wales Weekly News

NORTH Wales Police has been slammed by residents and councillors in Old Colwyn for taking officers away from the village to patrol Colwyn Bay.

Police community support officer (PCSO) Matthew Preston has been moved from Old Colwyn to the Bay’s Rhiw ward to cover the loss of a community beat manager there.

But while Rhiw still has the same number of staff patrolling the streets, Old Colwyn is down to just two men – PC Mike Williams and PCSO Martyn Lewis.

In July residents praised the work of police, claiming the village had never been so safe, after PCSO Preston bolstered numbers and police presence on streets.

Now residents say problems with anti-social behaviour, gangs of underage drinkers and vandalism are returning.

David Curtis is secretary of the Old Colwyn East Residents’ Association and explained: “Our officers are very committed, we just know they are very busy.

“We are disappointed we’ve lost a PCSO in Old Colwyn. We saw a significant change in the area and the amount of time officers were on patrol on the streets before.

“Losing a PCSO has had an effect on everything in Old Colwyn. Having an officer on patrol had an effect on behaviour, not having an officer on patrol has had the opposite effect.”

Insp Essi Ahari defended the decision at a town council meeting at the town hall earlier this week when questioned by councillors.

Insp Ahari said he had to put his resources where there was a need, and hinted officers could be redeployed to areas as need changed.

“Historically, Old Colwyn had one PCSO and one police officer, what I did was take one PCSO from Old Colwyn while the kids were off school. I don’t think it is a good idea to have officers not doing anything,” he said.

“I look at it dynamically when there is a need. I’ve 16 wards and 11 PCSOs, that’s the way I’m looking at it, to go where the demands are.”

Speaking after the meeting Old Colwyn town councillor Chris Perry said he wasn't happy.

“People in Old Colwyn are very concerned,” said Cllr Perry.

“Every time they want a PCSO in the Bay, we lose one in Old Colwyn.

“We used to have two community beat managers. The idea of PCSOs is that they walk around and communicate with people. Invariably when I see a PCSO they are in a car.

“But what else can be done? Insp Ahari hasn’t got any money or resources.”