Police on beat halved in parts of Shropshire

The number of dedicated bobbies on the beat in south Shropshire and Bridgnorth has been halved as part of the re-organisation of West Mercia Police, it was revealed today.

Previously up to 14 local policing officers (LPOs) were based in stations across the area – but that number now stands at seven. Local councillors have expressed their disappointment about the shake-up.

The seven LPOs will head up teams covering Albrighton, Bridgnorth Rural East, Bridgnorth Town, Broseley, Highley and District, Much Wenlock, Shifnal, Bishop's Castle, Church Stretton, Cleobury, Craven Arms, Craven Arms Rural West, Ludlow Rural and Ludlow Town.

An e-mail sent to councillors across south Shropshire from Constable Anne Gutteridge says: "Due to the national economic situation the Warwickshire and West Mercia Policing Alliance have to save £30.3 million over the next four years.

"The alliance is not recruiting new officers to replace those that are leaving the service on a one to one basis.

"Some of the savings are being made from these retirements, which means that the policing operation needs to be re-organised.

"Inspector (Rob) Thomas based at Ludlow Police Station intends to attend as many Local Joint Committee meetings as possible to explain the broader reasons for the re-organisation."

She added: "The focus of West Mercia will now be on crimes and incidents that cause the most harm and/or pose the greatest threat to safety."

Local councillors have said they are disappointment about the re-organisation adding that towns benefit from a dedicated LPO.

By Peter Finch