West Mercia Police deny cuts to numbers as officers ‘appalled’ by plans

But police bosses today insisted they were not making cuts and instead reacting to the challenges of patrolling the county.

Two serving officers, who do not wish to be named, have raised concerns about the changes. One officer has claimed that in April there is a plan to reduce the number of officers in stations around the county.

The officer claimed the reductions would be in Oswestry, Shrewsbury, Ludlow, Bridgnorth and Market Drayton, with a 25 per cent cut, along with cuts in support.

West Mercia Police today admitted changes would be made, but insisted numbers would not be cut. It said changes are being made to provide more resources during busier times.

Chief superintendent Charlie Hill said: “Over recent years there has been a reduction in officers but that does not automatically mean reduced police presence. We have made significant investments in technology such as mobile data devices, which help to keep our workforce visible and present in their communities.

"The change in shift pattern will provide more resources during the busier afternoons and evenings.

“The changes will mostly affect officers who respond to the public’s calls for service, and we are confident this will provide a better service, and greater protection for our staff.

“The changes will mean that we have fewer response officers available at quieter times of the day, but we also have neighbourhood officers and specialist operational units who provide support during these times.

“Alongside the changes we are introducing to the response shift pattern, our police and crime commissioner and chief constable have committed to protecting officer numbers within our current teams of neighbourhood police constables and police community support officers for the next financial year.”

Chief Superintendent Hill has also insisted officer numbers will be maintained and neighbourhood team vacancies filled.

But one serving police officer said: “Personally I am appalled. If challenged, the police will try to dress this up as efficiency savings and ‘agile’ working. The fact will remain, officer numbers will be reduced.

“This will have a serious and damaging affect on the public and on individual police officers. We are already stretched to breaking point, with poor morale, and stress of an overburdened cohort of officers.”

Alan Moseley, leader of Shrewsbury Town Council said the council was unaware of potential cuts, but pledged to fight them if any came to light.