FEARS have been raised that Aberaeron will be left with “a second-class police service” after it emerged that the town’s police station – along with that of Lampeter – is to be left unmanned overnight during the week.

Angry election candidate Elizabeth Evans has aimed a broadside at Dyfed-Powys Police Chief Constable Mark Collins, claiming a “lack of consultation” with the community.

Both towns are now covered by night-time patrols from Aberystwyth and Cardigan.

Lampeter town councillors received the news from the town’s new inspector Matthew Howells when he introduced himself at their last meeting.

“I am astonished that Dyfed-Powys Police felt they could withdraw overnight cover from Aberaeron without any consultation with myself, Aberaeron Town Council and the residents of Aberaeron,” Mrs Evans told the Cambrian News.

“I also understand that the community policing team has been disbanded and that we have lost our sergeant.

“The Chief Constable will say this is purely an operational matter and that cover will be provided.

“I say the people of Aberaeron will have a second-class service where policing becomes reactive as opposed to proactive.”

Lampeter Inspector Matthew Howells has since set the record straight regarding mid Ceredigion’s Neighbourhood Policing Team. Read his comments here.

See this week’s South Ceredigion edition for the full story, in shops and online now