HAY-ON-WYE’S police force could soon be operating out of library, after the announcement from Dyfed Powys Police that it is looking to relocate the station.

The announcement comes as part of Police and Crime Commissioner Christopher Salmon’s county-wide strategy to spend money on “bobbies not bricks”.

The station at Hay-On-Wye has only three permanent members of staff – two police constables and a police constable support officer – however it is one over only two stations in a rural area.

It will not be closed, however Dyfed Powys are looking for alternative locations within the town.

One option is for the local force to share facilities, and similar schemes elsewhere have seen police move in to community centres like libraries or hospitals.

There is no timescale in place for the move but Dyfed Powys has assured residents the team will remain within Hay.

Mr Salmon said: ““Much of our existing property will be retained but the services operated from some will relocate to nearby premises in the same community.

“For some locations we seek alternative arrangements after which the existing premises will close.

“New, well-considered arrangements will be put in place and publicised before any relocation or closure occurs.”

With central government funding down from £60.5m to £53m over the last three years, increasing scrutiny has been directed at the force’s sites, which incur annual running costs of £2.9m.

The same review however confirmed that Presteigne police station will be retained and will continue to operate as normal.

To contact the Police and Crime Commissioner’s office with your views on situation, or to suggest possible alternatives for Hay email - opcc@dyfed-powys.pnn.police.uk.