COUNCILLOR STRESSES CONCERNS OVER RURAL POLICING
Heather Kidd, Shropshire Councillor for Chirbury and Worthen, has expressed serious concerns about future policing across rural Shropshire following revelations that the police are not going to replace officers who leave or retire.
“The good news” said Heather “is that the constables we have at present is doing an excellent job. The figures I’ve seen show that PC Anne Gutheridge’s team are doing a great job with a very high clear up rate for crime. Given the huge area they have to cover that’s a very creditable performance.
“The problem is that the Government’s cuts in police funding are now beginning to bite and in Shropshire that means fewer police. Warwickshire and West Mercia Police forces are having the find £30m in savings over the next four years. To do this they are not going to replace officers who leave.
“My fear is the impact this will have on rural areas like ours. Its easier to move people around an urban area to cover gaps, the distances are shorter and the numbers of police greater. However, when you look at rural areas (which stretches from Worthen down to past Clun and over almost the Craven arms) matters could be serious if staff left.
“I have written to the Chief Constable seeking assurances that these cuts will not leave rural areas of Shropshire uncovered. I am also going to write to the Minister for Policing and Justice, Nick Herbert MP. As he also has a rural constituency then perhaps he might listen to our concerns.”