'Crazy' West Mercia and Warwickshire police break-up criticised

Barrie Sheldon, who served as deputy to former police and crime commissioner Bill Longmore from 2012 to 2016, said he feared the people of Shropshire could suffer as a result of current crime commissioner John Campion’s decision to end the agreement.

Mr Sheldon, a retired police officer, stood as an independent candidate to become commissioner in 2016 but was defeated by Conservative Mr Campion.

He said he was surprised by Mr Campion's decision to end the arrangement which had been in place since 2013.

Under the agreement, the two forces shared dog handlers and firearms units, as well as computer, personnel and communications staff.

Warwickshire Police claimed the alliance had saved £35 million since it came into force, however West Mercia said the force had been contributing 61 per cent of the alliance’s funding.

Mr Sheldon said: “My first reaction was of shock, and I thought to myself what a crazy decision.

"I was present when the decision was made to proceed with the alliance, and witnessed the considerable benefits it produced.”

Writing in today’s Shropshire Star, Chief Supt Kevin Purcell who is responsible for policing the county, says the decision will give the public better value.

He says the the existing police structures, including neighbourhood police teams, would not be affected.

"This is the start of a new chapter for the future of West Mercia, one which we’re excited about," he writes.

"We strongly believe it is a positive move with greater opportunity for us to deliver efficient and effective policing services to our communities and provide the very best protection we can across Shropshire and Telford."

A spokeswoman for Mr Campion stressed it was a joint decision made by both the commissioner and Chief Constable Anthony Bangham after a long period of discussion.

“Whilst we understand that at the time the alliance was introduced there were some advantages, these benefits aren’t being realised today,” she said.