Councillor calls for Newport-based police

Newport councillor Thomas Janke has called for police response officers to be based at Newport Fire Station, in the absence of a police station.

Welcoming Telford & Wrekin police chief Supt Jim Baker's commitment to the police role in keeping Newport a "vibrant, active and thriving market town", Cllr Janke made the plea to bring back a base for response officers in Newport.

Cllr Janke has written to West Mercia Police & Crime Commissioner, John Campion, requesting that, in the absence of a police station (following its closure in 2013), consideration be given to basing police officers at Newport Fire Station.

"Whilst I understand that previous Government cuts forced the closure of the police station, the Fire Station is a near perfect space to base police response officers," Cllr Janke emphasised. "It is common sense for the Fire Service and police to work together. Residents want police stationed in Newport once again."

Councillor Thomas Janke's call comes in light of the return of permanent response officers to towns such as Ludlow, Whitchurch and Bridgnorth, following the announcement 300 additional officers across West Mercia. Cllr Janke has been campaigning for several months for more neighbourhood police in Newport, previously coming into conflict with the Conservative Police & Crime Commissioner over police numbers.

"In my role as Community Safety Chair for Newport Town Council, I am inundated with complaints from residents who are tired of feeling unsafe in their community, and who have the perception of a total lack of police protection on their streets."

Newport has recently been subjected to an increase of anti-social behaviour, and a recent suspected arson attack on three vehicles, which led to an operational order for additional dedicated patrols to be carried out in the area.