Cleobury Mortimer 'abandoned' by police station closure

Councillor Madge Shineton said she had "severe reservations" about the closure of Cleobury Mortimer's police station in Talbot Square, and fellow councillor Gwilym Butler said he was "disappointed" by the move.

But police have insisted the public will not notice any difference in policing in the town and surrounding area.

The station was closing today and will be replaced by a community policing post at the town's market hall nearby. West Mercia Police's safer neighbourhood team will hold regular Partners and Communities Together meetings and police surgeries in the market hall. The police station has been closed as part of a drive by West Mercia Police to save £20 million by 2016.

Councillor Shineton, who represents the town on Shropshire Council, said: "I have severe reservations, I think they've gone in the wrong direction. We feel quite abandoned here in Cleobury Mortimer.

"There's a fair amount of rural thieving around here. Cleobury Mortimer is on the A4117 and there is accessibility for anyone to come from anywhere, not just local problems.

"The building was staffed by very experienced people and that's going to be lost. That volunteer help, that experience is now gone. A considerable amount of money was spent upgrading that building a few years ago and all that money will have gone to waste."

Councillor Butler said: "I am disappointed, especially with the rise in crime recently.We need to work with the police and crime commissioner to find a solution for more policing in the town. I'd still urge everyone to report things on 101, even if there isn't a regular presence, or we will not get that presence back."

Helen Blake, for West Mercia Police, said: "Our policy was not to close police stations until a suitable alternative was found. It allows local police to stay in the area using the facilities at the market hall. The public will not notice any difference in policing."