CONCERNS have been raised about the policing levels across communities in south Gwynedd.

Arfon Jones, who is Plaid Cymru’s North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) candidate, says he fears that the cumulative effect of court closures and centralisation will further reduce frontline police services in the region.

Mr Jones, a former policeman from Harlech, who served in both Tywyn and Abergynolwyn, said that protecting Dolgellau Police Station’s status as a custody station would be one of his top priorities should he be elected to the post of PCC in May.

Mr Jones said: “I have spoken to many people in the Dysynni area and they have all expressed concern about the level of policing in the southernmost part of the force.

“It doesn’t matter how sparse a population is they all deserve a basic level of policing. Towns like Bala, Tywyn, Barmouth and Dolgellau have sizeable populations and they have the potential for crime and disorder; how many crimes are committed there that are never reported because public expectation from the police is low.

“I also fear that closing Dolgellau Court will lead to the downgrading and decommissioning of the cells at Dolgellau Police Station, which will lead to those arrested being conveyed to Caernarfon and tying up two police officers in escorting the arrestee.

“This is not a good use of resource and as Commissioner I would ensure that Dolgellau Police Station would remain a designated custody station with a supervisor working twenty-four-seven. This is the least the forgotten people of Meirionnydd should expect from North Wales Police.”

Dwyfor Meirionnydd MP, Liz Saville Roberts, added: “Police officers and PCSO’s in my constituency do a great job under very challenging conditions. Recent announcements regarding the centralisation of court service across north Wales may well result in even greater challenges.

“I fear that the closure of Dolgellau Court could see questions raised about the future of custody cells at Dolgellau Police Station.

“If police officers have to travel to custody cells in Caernarfon, we could see PC’s taken off the beat for at least three hours to transport prisoners from south Meirionnydd.”