Police may move in at Whitchurch council headquarters
Police could move into Whitchurch town's council headquarters as part of big changes to policing in Shropshire.
Officers based in Whitchurch could soon be working in the civic centre, in High Street, according to police and crime commissioner Bill Longmore.
Last month it was revealed that West Mercia Police is to sell a number of its estates as it battles with £20 million spending cuts.
Stations in Ironbridge, Albrighton and Ellesmere are to shut completely, while officers in Whitchurch, Cleobury Mortimer, Craven Arms, Shifnal, and Newport will work from community policing posts.
The posts will be available for officers to use as required, although police will not be based at them permanently and they will not be open to the public.
It is likely the majority policing posts will be in new, smaller premises with police stations closed and sold.
Mr Longmore said: "We have seen several good alternatives to the police station in Station Road and we are working with the town council to find suitable premises.
"There may be opportunities at the redeveloped civic centre but there are several other possibilities in the town. Whitchurch is a growing town and there will be a police base there."
Mr Longmore said no date has been fixed for the police station closure and stressed a suitable alternative will be found first.
He also said all changes are subject to public consultation.
The mayor of Whitchurch, Councillor Peggy Mullock, said it is vital the town had a police presence. She said: "I've had a meeting with Mr Longmore and he agrees it is essential Whitchurch has a police base."
Councillor Rob Hewson said an alternate base could be in the heritage centre, in St Mary's Street. He said: "We have had good and in-depth discussions with Bill Longmore and he understands all our concerns.
"If Whitchurch Police Station is to close we have to have another police base. Mr Longmore understands that and he wants to do what is best for Whitchurch.
"Locations suggested so far are the civic centre and heritage centre. This is not just going to be a case of closing the police station. We will do what is best to police our town."
Star comment: Negative effect of Shropshire police station closures
