Telford council chief concerned over police changes
Telford must continue to have its own dedicated policing commander to oversee officers in the town and ensure the safety of residents, Telford & Wrekin Council's leader has insisted.
Councillor Shaun Davies, voiced his concerns over possible changes to the management structure of West Mercia Police.
The current commander for Telford, Superintendent James Tozer, is vacating the position next month to take up a new role as crime manager for the West Mercia and Warwickshire Police alliance.
He is being replaced on a non-permanent basis by Tom Harding, who will become Temporary Superintendent and commander for Telford.
But the force has not made any announcements regarding long-term plans.
Councillor Davies said he feared Superintendent Dave McWilliam, the current commander for the Shropshire Council area, would be asked to oversee Telford as well – creating a single command unit for the county.
The new council leader said he had written to both borough MPs, Lucy Allan and Mark Pritchard, to seek their support as well as to both West Mercia's chief constable and crime commissioner expressing his concerns.
He said that moves to reduce the Telford area's command could harm community safety in the borough and see police resources targeted away from the town.
Councillor Davies said: "We are a fast growing area and the biggest population centre.
"To decrease police resources here would be a very backward step.
"I have written to both MPs to express my concerns about this issue and I trust that any changes to command arrangements will be fully and openly consulted upon.
"Any changes must recognise our borough's needs and we will continue to make this point most forcefully."
Assistant Chief Constable Amanda Blakeman, of West Mercia Police, said: "On Monday July 4, the current Superintendent Commander for Telford James Tozer is changing role to become the Alliance Crime Manager.
"He will be replaced by Temporary Superintendent Tom Harding.
"The current Superintendent Commander for Shropshire is Dave McWilliam who continues in his post.
"Looking longer term we are considering the most appropriate leadership arrangements to enhance the delivery of our local policing service and would wish to work with partners before any decisions are made."