Chief Constable grilled on future of policing

West Mercia Police Chief Constable David Shaw took a number of questions during an online debate held last night.

The discussion followed the force's announcement in February that three police stations in Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin are to close as West Mercia tries to make £20 million in cuts.

Participant John Howard Smith asked what Mr Shaw thought about having to cut his budget. He said: "Why is the police force budget going to be cut when the budget should be getting increased to stop crime?"

Mr Shaw replied: "In the current climate I can understand why the Government needs to save money.

"It may be unfashionable to say it, but we have had growth for more than 12 years and in that time we have grown considerably. The good news here is that it does mean we are probably better equipped to absorb a reduction. I don't want to sound complacent but when crime is falling, the workforce is the best we have ever had."

Speaking about the closures Valerie, from Shropshire, asked: "How will it be ensured that public protection and safety is not jeopardised by these cost-cutting measures?"

While another resident added: "I am sad to hear about the force control room in Shrewsbury closing. This directly effects my family.

"I hope you look again at the uses of the control room in Shrewsbury and realise local knowledge of the call takers and dispatchers there is paramount to making a difference."

Mr Shaw replied: "Under the current arrangement, we already cover an area much bigger than many forces in each of our control rooms so the concept of 'local' knowledge already encapsulates big tracts of land. Many forces already run from single control rooms very successfully."

Mr Shaw continued: "By bringing all our command and control under one roof, I am able to keep more officers and staff on outside operational duties. The move is due for 2015 which gives ample time for us to redesign the way we deliver command and control."

Mr Shaw said he plans to hold live webchats with residents four times a year.

Stations in Ironbridge, Albrighton and Elles-mere will close in 2015 while those in Cleobury Mortimer, Craven Arms, Shifnal, Whitchurch and Newport are to be shut to the public and replaced with Community Police Posts. Stations in Bishop's Castle, Bridgnorth, Ludlow, Much Wenlock and Tenbury Wells will move to new sites. The control room, in Battlefield, Shrewsbury, will also shut. All closures and changes are subject to a public consultation.