Town centre police base returns after five years

PCC John Campion (second from left) said the base would cut travel time for officers

A new town centre police base has opened in Shrewsbury, replacing one which closed five years ago.

The old provision, located in Shrewsbury's Riverside centre, shut in 2020 because of redevelopment work.

West Mercia's Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) John Campion said the new offices in Drayton Passage would "return the force back into the town", adding he had supplied funding for the project after listening to feedback from local people.

But while the building will be occupied by police officers, it will not have a front desk for the public to visit.

Ch Con Richard Cooper said: "It's vital our officers are where they need to be to help prevent crime and reassure our communities, and having a site in the heart of the community is part of our neighbourhood policing promise."

The PCC said the new base in Charlton House would cut travel time for officers and the rent would be £9,000 per annum.