Wrong Decision on Chepstow Lab: "Welsh police must act now"

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Thu 22nd Oct 2009

Cutting edge hi-tech Forensic Science to end at Chepstow

Responding to the Forensic Science Service announcement on the closure of the Chepstow laboratories, Michael German, Assembly Member for South Wales East said:

"I am very disappointed and saddened by the decision to close the forensic lab at Chepstow. It is the wrong decision. However, there is still a small window of opportunity during the formal consultation for the Welsh police forces to ask the Forensic Science Service to retain a base in Wales".

The Welsh Liberal Democrat Assembly Member added,

"Welsh police forces got themselves involved in a contract with forces around the United Kingdom resulting in the Chepstow lab losing work. However, the contract is coming up for renewal next year, and there is a real opportunity for Welsh police forces to act together and retain a forensic service in Wales.

"Half of the funding of police in Wales comes from the Welsh Assembly. We have the right to have a say where forensic services are based. The Chepstow lab was known for its efficiency and high quality of its staff. We can not afford to lose such highly skilled jobs. The best detection systems in Britain are currently located in Wales. If we are going to beat crime then our police need these vital services.

"I am asking the Welsh police authorities to act now to ensure we have the best crime - busting team retained in our country."