Shropshire police station cutbacks under fire

The decision to remove front counter services from nine police stations came under fire today.

Councillors are concerned it will particularly affect older people who like to speak to someone face-to-face rather than on a telephone, which is proposed.

The changes put forward by West Mercia Police will affect stations in Bridgnorth, Church Stretton, Ludlow, Market Drayton, Oswestry, Shrewsbury Town, Wellington, Wem and Whitchurch.

The front counter in Monkmoor, Shrewsbury will have its opening hours reduced as part of the shake-up.

Councillor Tim Beckett, mayor of Market Drayton, said: "Whilst I understand it is due to costs and they are correct in that most people do now use social media and other methods of communication, you don't get the personal service of actually speaking to anyone face-to-face.

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"Not everyone is okay discussing issues over the phone and the older generation don't have access to Facebook, Twitter or e-mail so this does not benefit them.

"I personally would like to see a counter service at Market Drayton, if only limited, so at least there is an opportunity for people to call in."

Councillor Rob Hewson, mayor of Whitchurch, said: "This is not going to be very good, especially for older people.

"I think you need a physical police presence in the town."

Councillor John Murray, of Wem Town Council, said: "I think it is absolutely ridiculous, particularly in the rural areas.

"When you speak to someone over the phone, half the time they aren't local and don't understand some of the rural issues.

"A lot of elderly don't use the phone very well. There must be other ways of saving money."

But Councillor Martin Bennett, Shropshire Councillor for Oswestry, said: "If it is true that people are just not dropping into the police station as they used to anymore because the way we are communicating is changing, such as through email and social media, then you can perhaps understand why there may not be a need to have someone available at the front counter for perhaps 20 or 30 hours a week."

Phillip Dunne, MP for Ludlow, said: "I accept that staffing a front counter which is rarely attended is a waste of resources.

"What I want to ensure is that police in rural south Shropshire maintain sufficient local neighbourhood officers and response teams to enable local residents to feel safe and that the police are resourced to respond should an incident occur."

David Wright, MP for Telford said: "I think it is very important that people can contact the police in a quick and convenient way.

"I want to see the maximum amount of face to face contact with the police available for the people of Telford."

Police say some functions of the front counters, such as reporting crimes, road traffic collisions or requesting information, do not have to be done at a police station and can be done remotely, to a police officer, by phone or in some cases electronically.

Chief Superintendent Amanda Blakeman said: "Keeping people safe is the focus of Warwickshire Police and West Mercia Police and this is an opportunity to deliver a more consistent, professional service, which will enable more officers to be deployed where and when they are needed the most in our communities.

"The strategic alliance between Warwickshire Police and West Mercia Police has given us a chance to review all of our processes to ensure we make the best use of resources and provide best value for money to the communities we serve in order to protect people from harm."

Police stations where front counter service hours are reducing:

Shrewsbury Police Station, Clive Road, Monkmoor, Shrewsbury, SY2 5RW

Current public service counter opening hours:Monday to Saturday: 8am to 8pm; Sundays and bank Holidays: 10am to 4pm

New public service counter opening hours: Monday to Friday: 8am to 4pm, Saturday: 9am to 5pm, Sundays and Bank Holidays: 10am to 4pm

Police station where front counter service hours are staying the same:

Malinsgate Police Station, Malinsgate, Telford, TF3 4HW

Current public service counter opening hours:Monday to Saturday: 8am to 8pm, Sundays and Bank Holidays: 10am to 4pm

Police stations where front counters are closing:

Bridgnorth Police Station, Wenlock Road, Bridgnorth, WV16 5BB

Current public service counter opening hours:Monday: closed, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays: 10am to 6pm, Thursdays: 12 noon to 8pm, Saturdays: 10am to 4pm, Lunch break: 2pm to 3pm (Tuesday to Friday)

Church Stretton Police Station, Sandford Avenue, Church Stretton, SY6 6AZ

Current public service counter opening hours: Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays: 10am to 2pm, Thursdays: 4pm to 8pm

Ludlow Police Station, Lower Galdeford, Ludlow, SY8 1SA

Current public service counter opening hours: Monday: closed, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays: 10am to 6pm, Thursdays: 12 noon to 8pm, Saturdays: 10am to 4pm, Lunch break: 2pm to 3pm (Tuesday to Friday)

Market Drayton Police Station, Salisbury Road, Market Drayton, TF9 1AL

Oswestry Police Station, Park Street, Oswestry, SY11 2HE

Current public service counter opening hours: Monday: closed, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays: 10am to 6pm, Thursdays: 12 noon to 8pm, Saturdays: 10am to 4pm, Lunch break: 2pm to 3pm (Tuesday to Friday)

Shrewsbury Town Office, Raven Meadows, Shrewsbury, SY1 1PJ

Current public service counter opening hours:Tuesday to Saturday: 9am to 5pm

Wellington Police Station, Victoria Road, Wellington, Telford, TF1 1LQ

Current public service counter opening hours: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays: 9am to 1pm. Thursdays 4pm to 8pm

Wem Police Station, Edinburgh House, New Street, Wem SY4 5PB

Current public service counter opening hours:Mondays to Thursdays: 9am to 5pm, Fridays: 9am to 4.30pm

Whitchurch Police Station, 2 Station Road, Whitchurch, SY13 1RE

Current public service counter opening hours:Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays: 10am to 2pm, Thursdays: 4pm to 8pm