REDDITCH MP Rachel Maclean has welcomed plans to put more police officers on the streets.

Following a consultation with officers, and after extensive research, West Mercia Police is looking at ways to best match its resources to the demand from the public.

The work is part of the force's wider transformation programme which aims to identify and deliver more efficient working practices.

As a result, new shift patterns will come into force for response officers in April.

The force has said the changes will result in a better service as well as greater protection for staff.

Although, at quieter times of the day there will be fewer response officers available.

Neighbourhood officers and specialist operational units will provide support during these times.

Mrs Maclean said: “I know how important it is to Redditch residents that police officers are there when they need them. That’s why West Mercia Police’s transformation programme is great news for our town.

“Every day our brave police officers risk their lives to protect us and to keep us all safe and I can’t thank them enough for everything they do.”

Alongside the changes to shift patterns, Police and Crime Commissioner, John Campion, has committed to protecting officer numbers within the current teams of neighbourhood police constables and police community support officers for the next financial year.

At the end of last year, the Government also announced the police boss will be able to increase police funding by £6.3million.

Mrs Maclean added: “As well as our police force receiving more funding, residents should expect to see more police officers out patrolling our streets over the next few months."