Police officers could get new Newport base
Police officers could be getting a new base in a town three years after its station closed.
Talks are under way between councillors and Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service about using its station in Newport as a police base.
This would mean three officers, who are part of the Newport Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT), would have a more permanent base in the town.
The fire station in Salters Lane would also allow the officers to park their cars there. However, it would not be a "police station for the public".
The base will be for the officers as a place to have a break and go to when needed.
The plans are still being negotiated between the fire service and police, but Councillor Eric Carter said he was positive about the move.
He said: "This would be great news for the town if they can see our police having more of a presence in the town.
"Officers are in the town often, and they can be seen out and about in Newport on a regular basis.
"But what this base would mean is that they have somewhere to park their vehicles and it is quite central so they can get to places quickly.
"At the moment their base is Donnington Police Station, but using Newport Fire Station in collaboration with the fire service, it means they will be around even more.
"I just feel that with the police station closing, then the post office closing and now we may lose our library, this is a good bit of news for the town."
Councillor Carter added: "The base would not be a police station for the public use.
"It would only be for the officers themselves as they do not have anywhere in the town for them.
"There are not enough resources for the police to have a station again in the town, but hopefully this will help."
Newport Police Station, on Wellington Road, closed in 2013 as West Mercia Police dealt with £20 million in spending cuts.
Since the closure Newport SNT has been based at Donnington Police Station.
Constable Lee Thomas said: "We have been looking for some time for a suitable location in Newport to establish a Community Policing Post and have looked at various opportunities and locations.
"We are talking to Shropshire Fire Service about options locally at this time but nothing is as yet confirmed."
