West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin has called for a ‘measurable improvement’ in police response times following changes to police station locations announced by the Police and Crime Commissioner. The MP has written to West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner Bill Longmore commenting on his consultation on a plan set out to introduce cost-savings to the force. The 74 year-old former policeman is seeking feedback from local people on proposed changes to Malvern, Tenbury and Pershore police stations in Harriett’s constituency. She commented: “It is good news that crime is 10 per cent lower in West Mercia. “I know that my constituents want visible police on patrol as well as excellent response times and I have asked to see the current measure of response times and to have asked the Police and Crime Commissioner to ensure he is able to measure a level of improvement as a result of these changes. “Tenbury and Pershore police stations are both to be relocated in these towns and I have insisted that local people are consulted to find the right site. “Personally I feel that a visible, central location would be the best option, but I have asked local councils to ensure they feed back into this consultation. “I have also asked Mr Longmore to make sure that police patrols will lead to a high level of detection of illegal drug dealing and growing. “Finally, I would hope that rural areas will be able to benefit from more mobile patrols delivering the double win of visible policing and speed offence deterrents.” The consultation period ends on March 31 and more information can be found at www.westmercia-pcc.gov.uk/Your-Views/Local-Policing-Teams/Overview.aspx | Letter to PCC