REDDITCH MP Rachel Maclean has welcomed an increase in police officer numbers saying it is what Redditch people want.

The Conservative Government announced the first tranche of police recruitment targets as part of a three-year programme to recruit 20,000 new police officers across the country.

West Midlands Police will immediately be able to recruit an extra 366 officers, with 93 for West Mercia, 90 for Staffordshire and 41 for Warwickshire.

That means an extra 590 officers across the West Midlands region.

John Campion, West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “I am delighted The Prime Minister is making good his commitment to deliver 20,000 additional police officers with this down payment of 93 new officers for West Mercia.

"The additional officers will make a real difference to our communities.

Rachel Maclean said: “It is great news that West Mercia Police will be able to recruit 93 new police officers next year, to help keep local communities and our streets safe, because this is what hardworking, honest, law-abiding people across Redditch want and expect and the Government to be driven by their priorities.

“This is just the start of action being taken to crack down on crime and make our streets safer."

She added: "The Government is equipping police officers with the powers and resources they need to protect themselves and others from harm.

“Through empowering the police to keep us safe we are sending a clear message to criminals that they should feel terror at the thought of committing offences.”