BROMSGROVE will be 'safer and more secure' now officers have been moved back into the town's police station, say force chiefs.

West Mercia Police announced on Wednesday that 25 extra officers have joined Safer Neighbourhood Officers already based at Bromsgrove Police Station on Slideslow Drive.

They say the move will bring 'increased visibility' to the town and that they have listened to residents' calls for more patrols after recent instances of serious crimes.

Prior to the move, officers were based at Redditch, covering both towns, but now Bromsgrove will once again have officers exclusively patrolling its patch.

Superintendent Stacey Williamson, the local policing commander for North Worcestershire, said: “I’m delighted we’re now able to have officers based at Bromsgrove Police Station and enhance the service we provide to the local community.

"This is great news for people in Bromsgrove and I know people will start to see a real difference.

"We know people want to see more police officers and having them based in the town will undoubtedly increase our visibility.

“Ensuring we deliver the best possible service to our local communities is absolutely crucial to us and I hope people feel reassured that we are listening to them and doing all we can to make our communities even safer and protect people from harm.”

The move is part of what West Mercia Police term their 'biggest continuing recruitment drive' after Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion pledged to increase officer numbers across the force.

Chief Constable Anthony Bangham has worked with the Commissioner to secure funding for the uplift in numbers.

And since May 2018, record numbers of police officers have joined West Mercia Police, both as new student officers and experienced officers transferring from other police forces.

Mr Campion added: “Visible policing continues to be my priority, and following my investment, recruitment is at record levels. We will soon be at the highest level of officer numbers since 2012.

"The new cohort of officers will make a valuable impact in communities in Bromsgrove and more widely across Worcestershire, helping to make these communities safer and more secure.”