ADDITIONAL funding has been provided to help policing in Ludlow and south Shropshire.

West Mercia Police that covers Shropshire, Worcestershire and Herefordshire is set to receive an additional £13m in its funding next year, thanks to the Government’s increase to police budgets.

Home Secretary Priti Patel has announced policing will receive up to £15.8 billion in 2021-22 – an increase of £636 million on last year.

This includes over £400 million to recruit 20,000 extra police officers by 2023, delivering on the promise made by the Conservatives in last year’s General Election. West Mercia has already benefited from an additional 105 officers.

Funding will also be used to bolster counter-terrorism policing, including money for armed policing and more officers.

The Conservative Government has been determined to support the police throughout the coronavirus pandemic, as officers have worked tirelessly to keep communities safe,” according to Ludlow MP Philip Dunne.

He says that this has included £30 million to help forces step up coronavirus enforcement and has reimbursed forces for all additional PPE purchased between March and July.

“Officers and staff at West Mercia have been instrumental in keeping our community safe this year, and I pay tribute to them for their hard work and professionalism, particularly in this challenging year,” said Mr Dunne.

“I have engaged with Police leaders here in Shropshire throughout the pandemic, and commend local officers for the way in which they have applied their tact and good judgment to keep our community safe.

“I am delighted to see West Mercia getting an additional £13m next year. I know the presence of additional officers on our streets has already helped reassure local residents. I look forward to speaking to our Police and Crime Commissioner, John Campion, to learn how he intends to deploy the extra resource.”