Council opposes plans to cut police services

CAERPHILLY Plans to cut services at Caerphilly police station from next year have been formally opposed by the local authority. Local officers will still use the Cardiff Road station, which opened last September, but its front-desk provision will close from January 2, 2019. Gwent Police announced similar cutbacks at seven other stations across Newport, Monmouthshire, Torfaen and Blaenau Gwent. In a cross-party motion submitted by Labour councillor James Pritchard, the force was urged to work with Caerphilly Council to maintain a visible presence by using Caerphilly Library. With 21,000 fewer officers than in 2010, councillors were also asked on Thursday to back calls for the UK Government to reverse cuts to police budgets. “It’s impossible to avoid the reality of austerity being inflicted on Gwent Police and other police forces,” said Mr Pritchard. “It’s not easy for the council to come in but I think it’s important that the local authority does what they can to try to work with Gwent Police in a meaningful way.” A letter from Gwent Police, read out by council leader David Poole, said cases involving vulnerable people – including child sexual exploitation, domestic abuse and serious crime – had to be prioritised.