The decision to give the go-ahead to build a £13.5 million divisional police HQ on the outskirts of Wrexham will help give the area the 21st century policing it deserves.

That’s the message from North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Winston Roddick CB QC who was speaking after county councillors granted planning permission for the state-of-the-art facilities.

They deferred a decision on a separate application for a smaller, town centre police station with a public front counter to sort out potential parking issues

Mr Roddick said: “I am very pleased the new divisional HQ in Llay has been approved, subject to meeting the ecological conditions.

“This is excellent news because it will help us provided the 21st century policing the Wrexham area deserves.

“The new facilities in Llay have been designed to be energy efficient and will have a 32-cell custody suite, solar panels on the roof and energy saving LED lighting.

“The design includes space to accommodate the new larger custody suite which complies with Home Office guidelines, and meet requirements of privacy and dignity of detainees.

“In addition accommodation will be provided for crime scene investigators, including examination rooms, roads policing, community safety, CID, the command team and major incident rooms.

“Wrexham rural policing will be based there as will the public protection unit. There will also be a post incident management suite, interview rooms and meeting areas. Training facilities will include a gym and operational briefing rooms.

“Externally there will be cycle shelters for visitors and staff as well as car parking for public, operational and staff vehicles

“Wrexham’s current main police station in the town centre is antiquated and no longer fit for purpose, with an out of date custody suite that does not comply with Home Office guidelines and it is uneconomical in terms of energy use.

“I am hopeful the new, smaller town centre police station with a public front desk will be given the go-ahead when all the outstanding planning matters have been addressed.

“By building a new modern police station on a new site at Llay as well the plan to maintain an important presence in the town centre through a new smaller police station the force will make better economical use of its budget.

“This is an important step in ensuring the public receives the best and most efficient policing from a modern, well equipped and well maintained force.

”The aim is to provide 21st century facilities for a 21st century police force.”