PCC John Campion, West Mercia Police and Shifnal Town Council have worked together to secure a permanent police base in the town.
Since 2019, when the West Mercia local policing team vacated its temporary base in the local library, due to it not being suitable, there has been a demand from communities to reinstate a permanent one.
Whilst the original police base in Shifnal was earmarked for closure in 2013, it has since been identified as the best location for the team to be based. The site also provides an opportunity for co-location, which supports the wider One Public Estate initiative.
PCC John Campion said: “I know just how important police presence is to communities. It boosts confidence with the public, knowing they have officers there if they need them. Understanding how much this means, I was pleased to work with Shifnal Town Council in order to secure the policing base.”
Chief Inspector Mark Reilly said: “We’re pleased to once again have a permanent base for our patrol and safer neighbourhood officers in Shifnal, giving more of a police presence in the town, as we know how important this is to our local communities.
“The local Safer Neighbourhood Team has worked closely with both Shifnal Town Council and our Police and Crime Commissioner’s office to find the right location and is delighted to be back in the heart of the community in the original police building.”
Shifnal Town Councillor Ed Bird said: “I am extremely pleased to have a police presence back in Shifnal. Shifnal is an expanding town, and therefore it makes sense to have police based here. It will benefit the whole area including Sheriffhales, Tong, Donnington and Albrighton, as well as benefiting the police officers themselves by reducing their commute time, enabling them to spend more time patrolling the community.”