New town centre team for Wellington amongst West Mercia reshuffle

Residents across Telford and Wrekin will see a change in how their streets are patrolled as West Mercia Police moves to a new operating model today. The force is transitioning from five local policing areas to just two from Monday 19 January.

The new Shropshire & Telford area merges the previous separate units to improve coordination and resilience. This structure is designed to ensure resources are focused where they are needed most across the county.

Despite the merger, officials say the public will receive the same level of service with extra support for local teams. A Chief Superintendent will now lead the combined command team for the region.

Specific changes in Wellington include the introduction of a new dedicated Town Centre Team. This unit, consisting of two police officers, will focus on tackling anti-social behaviour and retail crime in the town centre.

Other parts of the borough are also set for an uplift in numbers. The Newport Safer Neighbourhood Team and the Ketley & Oakengates team will each receive an additional police constable to support their work.

These appointments follow a wider recruitment drive which has seen 29 extra constables and 20 PCSOs join the force recently. Every community will continue to have a named local officer.

Assistant Chief Constable Grant Wills said: “The change in our operating model focuses on making sure we deliver the highest standard of policing and ensures our resources are used in the most effective way.”

He added: “Our goal is to build a long‑term, sustainable structure that meets demand, supports our teams and provides an outstanding service to the public.”

The previous structure had been in place since 2018. Feedback from the public helped identify ways to improve how the force responds to local demand and remains visible.

Residents can find details of their specific local policing team by visiting the West Mercia Police website and entering their postcode.