Ammanford’s new police inspector has vowed to continue strengthening ties with the community.

Stuart Bell took over the role as the region’s top officer in January and is keen to continue the work of his predecessor in making public engagement the cornerstone of his role.

“It is vitally important that we are involved with the community,” the dad-of-one told the Guardian.

“I am really keen to engage as much as possible with the public.

“It is important that we are a visible presence.

“Seeing a policeman on the beat breeds a feelgood factor.”

The 36-year-old, who is due to wed fiancée Clare in April, hails from Neath but has done a full tour of the Dyfed-Powys area during his career.

Stuart began his career with South Wales Police before transferring to Dyfed-Powys in 2007.

Following spells in Pembrokeshire, Llanelli and Carmarthen, he moved to Ammanford in January following a re-organisation which saw Insp Richard Oliver moving to Llanelli.

“I have been all over the Force area and the county,” said Stuart.

“Carmarthenshire is a very high-performing division and we are doing really well here.

“The Ammanford area has got a great team in place.

“Community policing is at the core of what we do and we need to make sure we continue doing what we are doing well and improve on those areas where we can get better.

“This is a massive area to police and that is only possible with the assistance of the public.

“Working in an area like this is about policing by consent –the police and public working together to ensure this remains a great place to live.”