Police base used to support life-saving work of Blood Bike charity

Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion is supporting the work of Blood Bikes volunteers by enabling Shropshire, Staffordshire and Cheshire Blood Bikes (SSCBB) to store and access motorcycles at Oswestry Police Station.

A new agreement gives the charity a secure base within the police garage, helping volunteers respond more quickly across a wide geographical area. The move also builds on the successful partnership between West Mercia Police and SSCBB, which already operates from Wellington Police Station in Telford.

Blood Bikes provides a free, 24/7 courier service across West Mercia, transporting blood, medical samples, breast milk and other urgent items for local hospitals.

Jeremy Cartwright, Chair of SSCBB, said: “Being able to locate one of our Blood Bikes at Oswestry Police Station allows us to provide better geographical coverage in Shropshire, improving our response times and giving riders in the Oswestry area access to a local bike. We are very grateful for the continued support of West Mercia Police.”

PCC John Campion said: “Blood Bikes is made up of amazing volunteers who do amazing things. I’m proud that I can use part of the police estate to support their work at no cost to the public purse. This is a great example of how policing infrastructure can be used to benefit the wider public and strengthen services that save lives.”

Sergeant Stuart Le'Clere, from Oswestry's Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: “Blood Bikes play an invaluable role in supporting the NHS, and we’re proud to provide a secure space at Oswestry Police Station. The base in Oswestry means we are helping their volunteers reach communities across Shropshire even more quickly.

“The dedication and professionalism of Blood Bikes make a real difference every day, and we’re proud to support the lifesaving work they do.”