07/03/2016 - Permalink

Police and Shropshire Libraries join forces to deliver policing to rural communities

Related topics: Community / Leisure, culture and heritage / Partner organisations

West Mercia Police and Shropshire Libraries have joined forces to deliver policing to rural communities in Shropshire.

For the first time, Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) will join Shropshire Libraries’ mobile library service to visit villages and hamlets.

The mobile library service visits up to 15 locations each day, including public houses, village halls and other community bases, in locations that would not routinely be visited by police. On arriving at each location, PCSOs will be available to meet with local residents to discuss any concerns, or carry out foot patrols.

Inspector Edward Hancox said:

“This is a great way of our PCSOs reaching the rural community. The mobile library service is already popular, and we are pleased that they have agreed to work with us on this new initiative. We are very keen to ensure that residents in rural areas get the chance to speak and meet with their local　officers: this is just one way of improving the way we do this.”

Stuart West, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for leisure and culture, said:

“Local policing and community safety is a subject that is important to all of us. This is a really good opportunity for West Mercia Police to reach people living in rural areas. Please take this chance to come along and raise any issues and questions you may have.”

The scheme is being trialled across mid-Shropshire in March and April. The first patrol will take place tomorrow (Tuesday 8 March 2016), where PCSO Lynn Birch will join the library team and visit Leebotwood, Longnor, Little Ryton, Dorrington, Stapleton, Stapleton Common, Hook-a-gate, Annscroft, Longden, Longden Common, Pulverbatch, Picklescott and All Stretton.

Full details of routes can be found online at www.westmercia.police.uk, and throughout each patrol on Twitter (@ShrewsburyCops).

For more information about Shropshire Libraries follow the link to www.shropshire.gov.uk/libraries or contact Mirka Duxberry, library commissioning manager for reading and health on mirka.duxberry@shropshire.gov.uk or 01743 255031.