WIREDGOV

Economy Secretary Ken Skates has announced £1.2m to continue funding the “Tripartite Agreement” between Welsh Government, Arriva Trains Wales and the British Transport Police and to expand the neighbourhood policing scheme.

The continuing revenue grant funding will see £265,000 in 2018-19, £273,000 in 2019-20 and £281,000 in 2020-21 going to British Transport Police to fund their existing additional operational personnel operating in the Welsh Sub Division.

Welsh Government has also approved additional grant funding of £194,000 for the first year (2018-19) and £196,000 for a second year (2019-2020) for a pilot scheme to expand neighbourhood policing at Rhyl, Tenby and Machynlleth and surrounding railway routes. 

At Tenby and Machynlleth, the PCSO’s will be based alongside Home Office police for partnership working. At Rhyl, there will be a uniformed sergeant as well as PCSO’s under the pilot scheme, which will be evaluated with a view to potentially renewing it.

Economy Secretary Ken Skates said: 

"Our railways are vital in keeping the country moving, whether it is to carry us to work, to socialise, or in our efforts to reduce the number of cars in our towns and cities.

"It is important to all rail users that they feel safe and the British Transport Police play a huge part in this. 

"By expanding neighbourhood policing at Rhyl, Tenby and Machynlleth, we will be looking after passengers on even more of the Arriva Trains Wales lines.

"Our funding has helped BTP, who considerably exceeded their crime reduction target over the last three years, out-performing other BTP areas and Home Office forces, and winning a number of awards. The holder of the forthcoming new Wales and Borders franchise will be expected to continue the tripartite funding contribution currently provided by Arriva Trains Wales."