RESIDENTS in Tenbury are being urged to make their views known on policing issues following the news that the town’s police station will close.

The move will see officers moving to an unspecified new location in the town.

Harriett Baldwin MP, who represents Tenbury, has called upon local people to get involved in the debate.

The comment comes following her meeting with chief constable David Shaw and police and crime commissioner Bill Longmore.

She said:“The good news is that crime is down another 10 per cent this year.

“My constituents want to see more police on the beat and response times that are at least as fast as now.

“The emphasis in the budget is on keeping the numbers of police and community support officers rather than spending money on buildings.

“Most of the staff changes have now happened and I understand there is a small amount of recruitment taking place.

“This is a consultation document and I would encourage people with a view to pass this on through the appropriate channels.”

The changes to policing are a consequence of West Mercia Police having to find savings of £30 million.

It’s envisaged there will be a police presence in Tenbury, but in shared accommodation.

The fire station in Burford is rumoured to be one location under consideration.

When Tenbury councillors met the Chief Constable last month some expressed concern at the possible closure of the police station believing that it provided important reassurance.

But Chief Constable Shaw, in what was clearly a strong hint at what was to come, emphasised that buildings may provide reassurance but not protection, which comes from having officers able to respond quickly to incidents.

The council is likely to consider the plan for the town and make a submission.

However, Alec Wall, a member of the Tenbury Apple Group and for many years a serving police officer, has called for police officers to be kept close to the communities they serve.

Tenbury not considered a high crime area but there have been serious incidents of theft, vandalism and antisocial behaviour in the past year, including vandalism of the play area, the starting or fires on buildings on the old auction yard site and an incident in which a car was overturned on the Palmers Green car park.

Earlier this year, lead was stolen from the roof of the historic Pump Rooms.