Almost 100 new police officers will be on the beat in the region after Prime Minister Boris Johnson gave the go-ahead for a new intake.

West Mercia Police will begin immediate action to take on 93 new bobbies after Mr Johnson said he would take on 20,000 new officers nationwide over the next three years.

And the go-ahead has been given for the immediate recruitment of 590 new officers across the West Midlands.

In addition to the 93 new offices in West Mercia – which come on top of the 215 just taken on – West Midlands Police will immediately be able to recruit an extra 366 officers, with 90 for neighbouring Staffordshire and 41 for Warwickshire.

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.

“It is right we give our local police the resources and support they need to protect our communities and keep our police safe. 

“This builds on my recent investment of 215 police officers and will reinforce the message to criminals that if they commit crime in a West Mercia they will feel the full force of our well-equipped police force.”

The news has also been welcomed by Councillor Nick Bardsley, Shropshire Council member for Ruyton and Baschurch, said he was pleased with the news.

He said: “I am absolutely delighted to see this commitment from the Home Office and our police and crime commissioner.

“There has been too long a time of cuts to the police and these officers along with the recent intake are a real step in the right direction.

“There is no doubt in my mind that more police officers equal fewer crimes and I am sure Shropshire will see the benefit of this investment.”

And Nicola Lowery, chairman of Telford Conservative Association, added: “Our communities have rightly called for increased police officers on their streets and it is imperative that we deliver on people’s priority which is exactly what the Government is delivering.

“This is the first stage in this new uplift and as part unprecedented drive to increase police ranks and I am pleased to see that 93 new officers will be recruited in the West Mercia area as part of this as it will make a real difference within our community.

“The local policing teams here in Telford & Wrekin do an outstanding job within our community.  However, it is important that they have the resources they need to keep our communities safe and this is an important step forward in ensuring we deliver on this commitment.”

Last month, Martin Hewitt, chair of the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), warned that because of the number of officers who retire or leave every year, 50,000 new officers may have to be hired in total.

Speaking at the Police Superintendents’ Association conference, he said that only one in every 10 applicants currently becomes a police officer in England and Wales, meaning 500,000 hopefuls would be required at the current rate.