Work is under way at Telford’s Malinsgate police station to stop shoppers parking there to avoid town centre charges.

Staff have been faced with a shortage of parking spaces at Malinsgate police headquarters in Telford due to shoppers parking there before taking the short walk to the shopping centre or nearby retail parks. Car parking spaces in any event fell far short of police staff numbers.

Security barriers are now being put up at the entrance and exit to the car park and staff will be using a fob system.

Funding for the work was allocated four years ago and would have been lost if it was not spent on the car park.

More spaces will also be created for staff as part of the changes.

Chris Ammonds, spokesman for Telford police said: “The work being undertaken at Malinsgate is to improve security.

“Barriers are being put up on the entrance and exit.

“Previously there was no limit on access to the car park and we were finding members of the general public were using the car park who were not visiting the station.

Designated

“This meant staff arriving for duty and genuine visitors were unable to park. The new system will mean only designated staff and visitors to the station will be able to access the car park.”

Security at the rear of the station will also be improved as part of the scheme.

Plans approved by Telford & Wrekin Council under delegated powers included up to 106 extra parking spaces to overcome the parking problems faced by staff.

When applying for permission to carry out the work, West Mercia Police said there were 158 staff working at the station alongside 187 officers but with parking for only 160 cars.

More spaces for disabled drivers, both staff and members of the public, are also expected to be introduced.

The work has seen more than 30 trees dotted around the station removed.

Telford & Wrekin Council recognised the environmental impact of removing the trees and said: “Although a small number of trees are to be removed, there are open spaces which have been left for possible tree planting to mitigate the loss.”

Mr Ammonds added: “The funding for this project was put aside four years ago.

“The work is progressing well and it is hoped the new system will make it easier for both staff and members of the public visiting Malinsgate.

“We apologise for any inconvenience caused to any visitors while the works are taking place.”

The work which started almost two weeks ago is expected to be completed by the end of next month.

By Crime Correspondent Kirsty Smallman