LAW enforcement in Bromyard is being taken into the 21st century with a new £200,000 Police station, writes JONATHAN RUSSELL.

The decision by West Mercia Police Authority means Bromyard, with its sergeant, four constables and community support officer, will have a state of the art building owned and run by the police.

But while the new station is welcomed, the lack of any commitment on increasing staffing levels has drawn a mixed reaction.

Brian Ridley, police support services officer, said: "The new station is a statement of our intent, built to our specifications and clearly stating that we are here to stay."

The plan follows government guidelines on decentralisation and will calm fears that policing in the market town could be run from Hereford.

Mayor of Bromyard, Joan Dauncey said: "It is fantastic news as there was a theory that the police station might disappear all together.

"A police presence with a brand new police station makes all the difference. It gives people of the town more confidence."

However news that hundreds of thousands of pounds is to be spent on new premises without increasing staffing levels or opening hours drew a mixed reaction from MP Bill Wiggin.

He said: "If the police believe there is a need for a new station in Bromyard then I welcome it but I do not want the police to take their eye off the ball. What I would welcome in Bromyard is more police, but if the station stays open later I welcome it, if criminals are more likely to be arrested I welcome it, but if it is just a cosy place to do admin..."

The first step in the development will be the purchase of the current police station on New Road from the council for £40,000.

A further £40,000 will then be spent on surveys and architectural plans before the last step of constructing the new station, estimated at £120,000, can be completed by the beginning of 2005, although the Police Authority is trying to bring the completion date forward.

Though no plans have been drawn up it is thought the police station at Kington may be used as a model for the new two-storey building.

Mr Ridley said: "This is fantastic news for Herefordshire, West Mercia and of course Bromyard to have a brand new station owned and occupied by Bromyard Police."