PCC commits to hear Hereford Firearms Licencing concerns at Community Conversation event

Next week, a Community Conversation event focused on firearms licensing is taking place in Hereford on Wednesday 2 August from 6pm to 8pm.

The Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion is interested to hear from local people about the concerns they have raised to him about firearms licencing. Over the past 18 months, the PCC has received more than 60 pieces of correspondence from residents who are disappointed with the length of time it’s taking to get a new or renew a firearms licence.

Earlier this year, the PCC invested £200,000 to enable additional capacity within the firearms licensing unit, with West Mercia the area with the largest quantity of firearm holders in England and Wales. However, some residents have not yet felt the benefits.

The latest Community Conversation focused on these concerns will be held at the Kindle Centre, Belmont Road, Hereford, HR2 7JE.

This event is an opportunity for the shooting community to speak and address their concerns directly to the PCC and his team, senior officers from West Mercia Police including Chief Inspector Callie Bradley and local members from The British Association for Shooting and Conservation.

The PCC said: “I am aware of the frustration many residents from our shooting communities have over delays in getting new or renewing firearms licences.

“As the voice in policing for firearms holders, I want to speak and listen to them to understand their views and experiences and reassure them that change is happening.

“I urge the public to come along and raise their concerns as I am committed to ensuring the right and appropriate action is taken to address frustrations. I look forward to hearing from residents next week.”