Plan to move Whitchurch's police station in with fire service is welcomed

Whitchurch Police Station, currently based in Station Road, is one of several in Shropshire which may close as part of £30 million savings over the next few years.

Under the plans, police and fire officers will share the town's fire station in Bridgewater Street, subject to approval from Shropshire Fire and Rescue.

Bill Longmore, West Mercia's police and crime commissioner, said he would also like to see at least four new special constables recruited for Whitchurch.

He said there is no specific date or timeline for the change to be implemented and the idea is still subject to final approval by the fire authority.

Shropshire Councillor for Whitchurch South, Gerald Dakin, said: "I think the merger is a wonderful idea.

"We had a meeting with Bill Longmore 18 months ago to make sure we would have a police presence in town with its own car park.

"So to hear we will get this is good news.

"The current Whitchurch police station is a white elephant and this is a golden opportunity to merge with the fire station – which is in a better position and has good access. In an ideal world it would be good to have paramedics at the base as well.

"The increase in police staff is also good news – it is good to hear we will have more feet on the beat."

Peggy Mullock, Shropshire councillor for Whitchurch, said: "I am very pleased to hear we are going to keep a police base in Whitchurch, that is very important.

"The fire station is much easier to access than the current police station.

"People feel reassured when they see an officer and I hope they will do more talks in schools."

More than £1 million has been saved by either selling off or leasing out police stations across the county since 2013.

Mr Longmore said the plans were a sign of progress being made to improve policing in the county, despite continuous pressure on budgets.

He added: "Whitchurch is a growing area and we have to ensure that the arrangements we put in place today are going to be suitable for the future too because I want to ensure local people continue to feel safe, and continue to get a good service from the police.

"Alongside the new shared site with the fire service, I would also like to see at least four new special constables recruited – specifically to serve Whitchurch.

"I feel they would be a real asset to reinforce the regular force and increase police visibility."