Wyre Forest MP discusses police station plans (From Kidderminster Shuttle)

Wyre Forest MP discusses police station plans

7:30am Wednesday 6th March 2013 in News

WYRE Forest MP Mark Garnier has met with West Mercia Police’s Chief Constable and the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) to discuss the force’s plans to review its estate.

Chief Constable David Shaw and PCC Bill Longmore announced plans to save £1.5 million by closing and relocating police stations and bases including moving Stourport police station to the Civic Centre and closing Bewdley police station but replacing it with a community base.

Mr Garnier said: “David and Bill have undertaken rationalisation of police officer numbers and I am pleased they have now reached their long term target, meaning no further reductions in police numbers across the region.

“We also discussed the relocation and reallocation of Bewdley and Stourport police stations. The plans for Stourport bring the police presence into the centre of the town, whilst Bewdley will still see a police base in the centre of the town, albeit smaller.

“Whilst people access police services through many different means aside from front office visits, it is important that people feel secure that there is a visible police presence. I believe these measures address these concerns.”

Mr Longmore has held two public meetings to discuss the plans.

He said: “I am more than happy to travel anywhere in the West Mercia area to talk to people about these proposals, because I think it’s really important that we explain what it all means for people.

“But having said that, if a community has a particular need for a police station, or there’s an opportunity to share a building with someone else, we need to consider everything very carefully.”

To contact Mr Longmore visit westmercia-pcc.gov.uk