A REVIEW of the future of Barry police station’s custody suite has begun.

As revealed in the Barry & Disctrict News last month, South Wales Police are reviewing the way in which they handle prisoners in their custody suites and are looking at the future of the Barry complex alongside other units in the Cardiff area.

The review comes ahead of the new Cardiff Central police station, due to open in Cardiff Bay next year, which will contain an extensive custody complex.

Assistant Chief Constable David Morris last month told members of the Independent Custody Visiting Association that Barry was one of the places where the suite could be mothballed, and only opened to hold suspected terrorists.

Vale-based AM, Chris Franks slammed the proposals saying it was unreasonable to process prisoners outside of the Vale as relatives and parents would be burdened by travelling to the Bay.

He also raised concerns about how released detainees would return home, about police time being used to drop detainees home, and the future of Barry magistrates court.

But the police chief maintained an improved service would result.

Divisional Commander for the Vale of Glamorgan, Superintendant Dave Dando, said no final decision had yet been made on the future of Barry’s cells complex, but the police station would remain open.

"Before the review is completed it will have to take into consideration a number of important issues, including an examination of any increase in travelling times that may occur as a result of closing the Barry cells," he said. "This has to be balanced with the possible increase in processing times for detainees, and, the improvement of conditions and safety factors at such an enhanced facility."

He added: "The review will also consider the effect any change may have upon partner agencies such as the Crown Prosecution Service, Probation Service and the Courts.

"It is fair to say that a number of these issues have yet to be finalised, and hence the need to explore all these matters before a final decision is made. "Ultimately, whatever is the final decision, the outcome will be to continue to provide a safe and efficient service to the residents of the Vale of Glamorgan."