A MEASURABLE improvement in police response times following cuts has been called for by Tenbury's MP.

Harriett Baldwin, has written to West Mercia police and crime commissioner Bill Longmore to put forward her views on cuts to services.

The 74 year-old former policeman was seeking feedback from people on proposed changes to police stations, including those in Ms Baldwin’s constituency.

She said voters wanted a visible police presence and called on Mr Longmore to show improvement in response times as a result of the changes.

She said: “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 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 asked local councils to ensure they fed 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.”