A WEST Mercia Police superintendent has defended a backlog in dealing with shotgun and firearms licences, saying the system has now improved.

Superintendent Martin Samuel, from the force's firearms and explosives licensing unit, said the backlog it is a situation mirrored by many licensing departments across the country.

Due to high volumes of request for renewals between May 2016 and September 2016, 8,500 temporary permits were issued. These allowed holders to lawfully retain weapons, while renewal applications were processed to issue full certificates.

Supt Samuel said: "This (backlog) has caused significant frustrations with licence and certificate holders.

"To resolve this situation, and following investment by the police and crime commissioners, we have taken significant steps over recent months to update and modernise our systems and as a result, waiting times have shortened with a great deal of progress made to reduce our outstanding workload.

"I am now able to confirm that all temporary permits issued have been finalised and full licence certificates issued.

"This has only been accomplished by the determination and focus of the licensing team to reduce the backlog to a manageable level."

In a bid to improve the system further the force are offering shotgun certificate holders to opportunity to apply to renew their licence up to two years earlier than scheduled.

Supt Samuel explained doing this will enable the future expiry date on the certificate to fall into a quieter period during a give year term, balancing our demand to provide a better service.

Supt Samuel said: "There will also be a reduction in the renewal fee to compensate for this.

"Officers from the firearms licensing unit will be contacting suitable certificate holders by telephone to gauge levels of interest.

"This will be followed up with a letter and an application form for those who are interested in this option."

Anyone wanting to contact the force with a licence query is asked to call 01905 727547.