POLICE officers have gathered on the steps of Wrexham’s landmark headquarters as it closed its doors for the last time yesterday.

The multi-storey police station at Bodhyfryd has been a key component of the town’s skyline for more than 40 years, although most functions, including CID and custody transferred to the new facility in Llay before Christmas.

However, the Police will maintain a strong presence in the town centre, including a front counter facility when they move local Police services to Crown Buildings, on 31 Chester Street, while work on a brand new police station at the Oriel - Library building on Llwyn Isaf is completed, which could be as soon as May.

 

Police officers gather outside the old Wreham Police HQ for the last time

Inspector Vic Powell said; “The station in Wrexham Town has been home for many of us for some years, but we now relish the opportunity to set up in our temporary accommodation before we finally move to our new facility in the Oriel Library.

“The old station has served the community well for the past four decades or so, but time has taken its toll and the premises are no longer fit for contemporary policing purposes. We really look forward to serving the community of Wrexham from our new temporary base.

“The front desk facility at Crown Buildings will be open as usual from Thursday, January 17. Public access to this facility will be via the door off the car park to Crown Buildings and will be suitably signposted.

 

Police officers gather outside the old Wreham Police HQ for the last time

“I would ask that anyone who needs to access police services at Crown Buildings does not use the main entrance facing onto Chester Street as this is for council staff. There will be no specific car park for the police counter service other than the nearby public pay and display car parks.

“I am very pleased that we have managed to maintain a town centre presence between vacating the old station and moving into our new facility at the Oriel.

“It is crucially important that we continue to build on the positive and existing community relationships and I would like to thank Wrexham County Borough Council for their partnership support in providing the facility at Crown Buildings.”

PC Rebecca Subacchi, who was one of the officers who completing her last shift in the building on Tuesday, said she was taking plenty of memories with her.

 

Inspector Vic Powell

She said: “There’s a definite feeling of sadness and over six years of memories. As I moved my kit, I saw a rainbow over the building and wonder if it’s a sign?!”

A temporary mobile front counter unit will be set up near the former station while the move to Crown Buildings is completed and will be open between 10am and 2pm on Wednesday.

Out of these hours members of the public wishing to use the front counter service can access support through the NWP website, call 101, e-mail, use our live chat link https://www.north-wales.police.uk/contact/live-chat-support or use the existing external telephone still active at the Bodhyfryd site.

Inspector Vic Powell outside Wrexham Police Station