Council asks police to reconsider Shifnal station closure

They are to write to the police commissioner calling for a rethink on proposals to close Shifnal's police station to the public.

Town councillors are concerned about the effect on residents if the station no longer has public access.

They fear elderly residents will feel particularly vulnerable at night.

Shifnal mayor Councillor Eileen Briscoe said the council will now write to Police Commissioner Bill Longmore.

She said: "We are going to write in order to air our views and concerns and hope they are passed on."

The council also plans to hold an open meeting in the near future to gather residents' views to pass on to the police commissioner.

Councillor Briscoe said: "We hope a rethink about the change of access will be discussed at an appropriate open meeting."

She stressed it was imperative the police station in Shifnal remained open to the public at all times.

"Shifnal is evolving into a busy and highly populated town," she added. "The number of residents has increased owing to recent housing developments with a further potential for homes.

"It has a bustling nightlife with lots of revellers travelling in to enjoy the pubs and restaurants. Without a more pronounced police presence in Shifnal, residents will fear for their safety in the evenings, especially the old and infirm."

Shropshire councillor Gordon Tonkinson said he supported the campaign. He said: "The station is vital and I will give any support I can to try to keep the police station in Shifnal open to the public."