Andy RV Posted December 28, 2013 Report Share Posted December 28, 2013 Hello all, Just had the OK today from the farmer to apply for my FAC for rimfire, has anyone applied/ renewed with west mercia recently? From what I've read it looks like i'm in for a long wait! Cheers, Andy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
simon1979 Posted December 28, 2013 Report Share Posted December 28, 2013 Hi andy Well west merica aren't the quickest my last renewal took 11 months, but had sent my fac in about 4 months ago for a 1 for 1 vacation and got it back with 6 weeks, it really just depends on there work load, there always under staffed and the cover a large area compared to some forces. Just be patient, my friend had his 1st fac in about 3 months Atb Simon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oli383 Posted December 28, 2013 Report Share Posted December 28, 2013 Me and my dad just applied for are sgc and it took 8 weeks for the interview, then he said it will be another 8 for the license to come through we currbtly still havent had them, i am also getting basc involved as the feo keeps telling me that i cannot shoot on my own at my age so they will be twlling him that he is wrong once i get hold of my cert! Hope it dosent take to long for you but dont hold up much hope if im honest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Salop Matt Posted December 28, 2013 Report Share Posted December 28, 2013 I have my FAC renewal that I am doing now. Will keep you posted. Oli I do hope you don't have the same FEO as me for your sake ! ATB Matt Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shropshire_Lad Posted December 28, 2013 Report Share Posted December 28, 2013 5-6 years ago my renewal took 14 months! hope they are better these days. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sterling Posted December 29, 2013 Report Share Posted December 29, 2013 Having witnessed a mate's recent application process and having had chats with various office bods during my own variations etc; if nothing in your application requires further investigation, West Mercia at the moment will take about 1 week to cash cheques, 1 ~ 2 months to arrange interview, then about 3 weeks for processing. Land checks can extend this. Make sure EVERYTHING is correct on your application and take note that sometimes their website produces application documents with important sections missing such as signature boxes! Also make sure your referees are available and expecting a call. Don't be tempted to phone their office every day and don't ever give them the impression you're getting short tempered with them. I'd wager it'll take around 3 months. Get it sent off pronto then get on with your life. Checking your postbox twice a day is bad for your health! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bikemad24 Posted December 29, 2013 Report Share Posted December 29, 2013 good luck to the op Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shropshire_Lad Posted December 29, 2013 Report Share Posted December 29, 2013 Better but still poor though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy RV Posted December 30, 2013 Author Report Share Posted December 30, 2013 Cheers for the feedback everyone, I sent my application off today. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olliesims Posted December 30, 2013 Report Share Posted December 30, 2013 West Mercia have now combined with Warwickshire, my last variation I did with them took 4 weeks.... When I recieved my license back they had left my .22 conditions on my license, when I rang up Warwickshire just before the big move, the man on the phone asked did I have a slot still to buy a .22, I said no just conditions for one, he said don't bother sending it in then west mecia will more than likely lose it, fills you with confidence! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oli383 Posted December 30, 2013 Report Share Posted December 30, 2013 I have my FAC renewal that I am doing now. Will keep you posted. Oli I do hope you don't have the same FEO as me for your sake ! ATB Matt Im in Hereford and they process it all at Malvern, I doubt it is there are a few i believe, Hope yours doesn't take to long, Just waiting for mine to come through then get BASC on the phone to them to correct them. ATB Oli Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Itchington Harris Posted January 7, 2014 Report Share Posted January 7, 2014 Just dropped my FAC application off with the firearms team in Malvern, the chap I spoke to seemed to think it was going to take about 2 months to process. He also said he does not like the new forms and the new licenses are too small! He was quite helpful though, and said they have had a load of new staff start recently and although they are inexperienced they are nearly up to speed so waiting times should come down. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard 1980 Posted March 7, 2014 Report Share Posted March 7, 2014 Has anyone else had any dealings with West Mercia in the last few months? Any idea on how long they are taking? I've got a coterminous application/recert in with them now. It's been 4 weeks, heard nothing from them but they've banked my cheque!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Itchington Harris Posted March 7, 2014 Report Share Posted March 7, 2014 I haven't heard a thing since my last post, I know someone else who applied in December and is in the same boat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard 1980 Posted March 7, 2014 Report Share Posted March 7, 2014 I thought West Mercia had issued a statement with a 43 day service level agreement in?? I'm not impressed one little bit!! 😡 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy RV Posted March 7, 2014 Author Report Share Posted March 7, 2014 Not heard anything useful yet chaps, had a letter last week informing me they are running behind so sit and wait. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shropshire_Lad Posted March 7, 2014 Report Share Posted March 7, 2014 They are truly **** poor aren't they? my mate was a couple of days late with his renewal and had to reapply, just like the tax man all one way ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Mighty Prawn Posted March 7, 2014 Report Share Posted March 7, 2014 Since they merged with Warwickshire they are drowning, I had a letter saying they were seriously delayed but would be training more people to try and clear the backlog, my fingers are not crossed... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Salop Matt Posted March 8, 2014 Report Share Posted March 8, 2014 I got mine in on time but it expires in 7 days time ! I will call them Wednesday as I paid my money which they cashed quickly but haven't herd a word from them since! On Wednesday I will ask for my renewed license by Saturdays post or a section 7 failing that am a BASC member and will be straight on the phone to them. I've made no changes and have done everything on time so no excuses from them, it's only fair. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Medic1281 Posted March 9, 2014 Report Share Posted March 9, 2014 I was slow getting my renewal in, but it was in in time. They sent out section 7 temp certificates straight away without me even asking. I was expecting to have to pay to store my guns as it was my fault, but now don't need to. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Salop Matt Posted March 9, 2014 Report Share Posted March 9, 2014 No sign of anything here Medic1281! It also makes me wonder how long they will fob folk off with S7's for. ATB Matt Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Medic1281 Posted March 9, 2014 Report Share Posted March 9, 2014 My section 7 is valid until may, certificates expired at the beginning of feb. My application was in before they expired but they sent it back and asked for a GP report due to time off work in 2009 for stress! As my certs expired while I was getting the report from the GP, I had to pay the extra £10 and reapply instead of renew! Was a bit peed off but the next day 2 section 7 certificates arrived. It only permits me to posses my guns and ammo, says nothing about being able to purchase any so I may be getting a bit short soon! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard 1980 Posted March 21, 2014 Report Share Posted March 21, 2014 A quick update... I have just spoken to west mercia again. They advised that my paperwork is all ok and has been issued to the Warwickshire office but has still not been issued to the FEO yet!! I asked why not and apparently the Warwickshire applications are all backlogged and they are trying to work through them as we speak. He said they were all going over the Warwickshire next weekend to try and get through the backlog. I complained politely about the **** service I am receiving and the guy I spoke to was very apologetic. He told me to keep phoning and chasing them as they were to blame for the poor service and as I have paid I should expect better. So in summary, my application has been with them 6 weeks today and I'm still waiting for FEO visit. I am seriously concerned now that if I don't get FAC issued soon and start popping some bunnies that I may lose my land as the farmer keeps chasing me. Not happy :-( Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Salop Matt Posted March 21, 2014 Report Share Posted March 21, 2014 It may not be want you want to do but is there the option to to take some one out over this land with you to start getting the numbers down and keep the land owner happy ? And in return the person who takes you up on the offer takes you out on there land once your license comes through. Failing that how about some air rifle or shotgun work to start making in roads and getting to know the land as well as keeping the land owner happy ? Regards Matt Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard 1980 Posted March 21, 2014 Report Share Posted March 21, 2014 You're right mate. Going to try and get stuck into them with the air rifle and see how it goes. Just very frustrating having to wait for firearms department!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.