Police to move out of village station to new base
A village police station is set to close its doors after the building was deemed no longer fit for purpose.
The Pontesbury Safer Neighbourhood Team will move out of the station in Minsterley Road and relocate to the new Pavilion community hub and library in Hall Bank.
West Mercia Police say the hub is in a better location and can accommodate the team’s requirements without compromising the existing facilities.
The hub, which was built as part of a new housing development by Shropshire Homes, opened last year and is owned by the parish council.
A planning application for the new police base within the hub has now been lodged with Shropshire Council.
A supporting statement by planning agent Place Partnership Ltd says: “West Mercia Police currently occupy a 1970s property on Minsterley Road in Pontesbury that is no longer fit for purpose.
“It is therefore proposed that their Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) will move to the Pavilion community hub and library (PCHL).
“The SNT comprises of four personnel who are police officers and Police Community Support Officers.
“The new space will be fitted-out internally to police standards and specifications, thereby enabling the latest working practices.
“West Mercia Police will also have occasional use of the main meeting room.
“Being in the PCHL will mean the SNT are more visible and accessible to the community they serve, unlike their current location.
“The proposed move will therefore not only retain the delivery of policing services in Pontesbury but improve them as well.”
There are no external changes proposed to the building, and it is proposed that the police force be allocated two parking spaces.
The statement says sharing a facility will create opportunities for the SNT to work in partnership with other public bodies such as the parish council, and engage with other community groups which use the building.
It adds: “The SNT will be located closer to the main centre of Pontesbury, increasing police presence, which will help meet public expectations of West Mercia Police.”
The statement concludes: “An SNT based in the PCHL will act as a vital community service in maintaining a low crime and safe environment.
“It will certainly not cause any detrimental impact to the delivery of policing in the local area, not least because the proposal ensures the continuation of a police presence in Pontesbury itself.”
The application for partial change of use of the building will now be decided by Shropshire Council.
