Potential cuts to frontline emergency services staff would place a huge strain on life in rural communities, it was claimed today.

Clive Leworthy, chairman of Craven Arms Town Council, said the town already suffered with anti-social behaviour and said any cuts to police staff would be of great concern to residents in rural areas across south Shropshire. His warning comes ahead of a Join the Conversation public meeting.

The meeting at Craven Arms Community Centre at 7pm tonight will see representatives from Shropshire Council, West Mercia Police, Shropshire Fire and Rescue and Jobcentre Plus discussing planned changes to the delivery of their services with residents.

It is part of a series of meetings to engage with the public throughout the county. Another is planned for Shrewsbury tomorrow and one was held in Oswestry last Tuesday. A meeting will also be held in Bridgnorth this month.

Last week it emerged West Mercia Police would be axing 300 staff as part of cost-cutting moves, but force officials have insisted it will not affect the number of police officers on the beat.

Protect

Mr Leworthy said: “What will concern people are proposed cuts to the police, and there’s talk of thousands of police officers nationally being taken away.

“Services like the police an ambulance are vital to rural areas and it’s important from the point of view of Craven Arms we do everyth-ing we can to protect local ser- vices. I’d encourage people to go along to the meeting.”

Superintendent Pete Lightwood, West Mercia Police Shropshire Commander, said: “Changes are being made to the structure of the force from this autumn and will be carried out over the next three years. These are designed to ensure we provide the best possible policing service, to improve our efficiency and to make financial savings.

Keith Barrow, leader of Shropshire Council said the council wants to hear people’s opinions on how local public services can work more effectively together “to do more for less”.

By Peter Kitchen