A FORMER chief inspector based in Aberystwyth is to be recommended to be the next Chief Constable for Dyfed-Powys Police, the Cambrian News understands.

Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn is to recommend Mark Collins, who was chief inspector in Aberystwyth in 2002/2003 for the top role.

The potential appointment of Mr Collins has been welcomed by Arfon Jones, a retired Aberystwyth police chief who said that Mr Collins would “help bring the police back to where it should be.”

“I worked with Mark for many years in my work and I am very happy that he has been recommended for the job,” Mr Jones told the Cambrian News.

“He and Dafydd are two characters who will work together well for Dyfed-Powys.

“There should now be a real focus on community and on making it a force to be proud of as the safest in the UK.”

Mr Collins began his career as a special constable in Carmarthen, joined the Metropolitan police before transferring back to Dyfed-Powys.

Mr Collins rose through the ranks to chief superintendent before transferring back to the Met.

He then served as Assistant Chief Constable for Bedfordshire, before being promoted to Deputy Chief Constable in Bedfordshire in February this year.

Mr Collins will meet with the Police and Crime Panel, which is likely to approve the appointment, at the end of the month.

The new Chief Constable will replace Simon Prince, who will retire this year after taking over the role in March 2013.