PANEL GIVES FULL SUPPORT TO POLICE AIR SERVICE

Dyfed Powys Police and Crime Panel has given its full backing to the fight for the best possible air service for the area.

Panel members have spoken out in support of Police and Crime Commissioner Dayfdd Llywelyn who recently pledged to prioritise the air service.

Mr Llywelyn said he would use his new position as a member of the National Police Air Service (NPAS) to positively influence the development of the air support service across the Dyfed Powys region.

Chair of the Police and Crime Panel Andy Edwards said: “The loss of the Dyfed Powys police helicopter was a massive blow, which concerned people across the force area.

“We welcome the fact that the Commissioner has pledged to use his new position in NPAS to fight for the best possible air service for us.”

The NPAS, which Dyfed Powys joined earlier this year, was set up to provide a cost effective service which also ensures the police have a quickly deployable asset to be using for tackling crime and protecting the public.

Police and Crime Panel Vice Chair Cllr Alun Lloyd Jones said: “We all fought hard to retain this crucial service and were extremely disappointed when the helicopter was lost to us.

“However, it is heartening to hear of the new Commissioner’s commitment to the air service, he has our full support in this and we look forward to seeing positive results.”

The Dyfed Powys Police and Crime Panel was set up to scrutinise and support the work of the Police and Crime Commissioner.

The Panel is made of up of members nominated by the four councils in the force area: Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire and Powys; and at least two independent members. Carmarthenshire County Council is the lead authority for the Panel.