WREXHAM town centre's new police station is set to open on May 24.

Town centre inspector Vic Powell revealed the opening date for the new station based at Wrexham Library, as he moved to reassure residents of Caia Park that there will be no loss of officers from the area.

At a previous estate community council meeting, councillors expressed alarm that there was just a single PCSO allocated to the estate, and requested police chiefs explain how it would be covered going forward.

Insp Powell attended this month's meeting to explain how the estate is going to be policed and to assure councillors that resources are there.

Members also requested that the anti-social use of motorbikes and quad bikes be made a top priority as they fear another nightmare summer of anti-social behaviour and riding on the Dunks.

Insp Powell said: "We move into the new premises on May 24, a purpose built modern policing facility and I have fought to keep everyone in town.

"We will have the same police resources in the town centre, the only change is that custody is now in Llay. We're still operating from the town."

He added: "We have lost some PCSOs who have moved on, but we are re-structuring the force from early June to give more resilience at key times.

"Every area is going to have constables. There will be two PCs and four PCSOs dedicated to Caia Park and the Smithfield end. The town centre will have a couple of PCs and a patrol function.

"They are all developing problem solving, pro-active and engagement skills - they will not just be there to answer the radio, they will be solving problems. They will be in the areas we need them most at any given time.

"The days of having a police officer on every street corner in this country are gone, but we are not losing numbers, we will have more officers on duty, working longer days."

"Come June 3 we will have three officers dedicated to prevention. I think that's massively important and it's where we should start."

Queensway Councillor Carrie Harper asked Insp Powell what the priorities would be for the estate, adding that use of off-road vehicles and motorbikes was still a major issue for residents after a number of years and were fearing the same again this summer.

Insp Powell said that tackling the bikes would be a priority and that they could chance "from month to month", determined by talks with councillors and residents.

Queensway Cllr Colin Powell said that issues with the bikes were helped when Wrexham Council's tenancy enforcement team worked with the police to issue eviction notices to tenants where bikes were being housed.

Insp Powell

Cartrefle Cllr Brian Halley suggested PCSOs could make regular visits to schools on the estate, to build up a rapport with children from a young age so that they grow up with a respect for officers and the uniform.

Insp Powell agreed this was another good idea.

He said: "We don't have the numbers to deliver in the way that we used to.

"We have to change the way we do business. I am open to any ideas as long as they are lawful and safe."