Travlaa Posted January 16, 2014 Report Share Posted January 16, 2014 Hi, I am new to this site and this will be my first post. I sent in my application for my Shotgun Certificate around 11 weeks ago, and about 2 1/2 weeks later the FEO came round and did his inspection (all fine and he was happy to approve). It has now been 8 weeks since he came round so I decided to give the Firearms department a call and chase it up. I have been told that they are so short staffed that they haven't even touched the pile of Applicants they have at the moment, as they have a back log of renewals? Sounds like alot of people are in the same position as me, waiting for a grant that isn't likely to come any time soon. Is there any way I can speed this up and get them to process it? They have been unable to give me a time scale, and it has already exceeded there 8-10 weeks (given on the website). I am reluctant to complain as feel they could just decide to reject my application. Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brad93 Posted January 16, 2014 Report Share Posted January 16, 2014 (edited) Are you a member of basc? If so give their firearms team a call. Edited January 16, 2014 by Brad93 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Travlaa Posted January 16, 2014 Author Report Share Posted January 16, 2014 I am waiting for my membership pack to come through from the BASC, hoping it might be there when I get home tonight. But thanks I will give them a ring. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mentalmac Posted January 16, 2014 Report Share Posted January 16, 2014 HI Mate, Where about in Essex are you? I'm near Colchester area and I recently changed address and I phoned my FEO and asked him how long as I wanted to buy more ammo and he did me a favour, but said that the piles are immense as a couple of FEO's have left and they are trying to cover workload. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maldred4 Posted January 16, 2014 Report Share Posted January 16, 2014 I think this is being seen and felt around different parts of the country. Some forces are still really good but others have suffered terribly as a result of the policing budget cuts that were imposed. Mine for example was/is West Midlands and they have merged with Staffordshire firearms licensing and made some FEO's redundant. Other forces have done the same so I believe. The guys that came to see me were actually Armed Response officers. They were helping to try and clear a back log of applications and renewals built up since the merger. Phone call might help to basc and also to your FEO. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Travlaa Posted January 16, 2014 Author Report Share Posted January 16, 2014 Thanks guys, I am in the Great Dunmow area, I think I will give my FEO a call this afternoon and see if there is anything he can do for me. Looking to buy a gun off a friend of mine, but doubt he can hold onto it for much longer as he needs the money for his new one Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TbirdX Posted January 16, 2014 Report Share Posted January 16, 2014 A friend is in exactly the same boat, same area and same waiting times...unless this is you, in which case you know that already :-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Essex Keeper Posted January 16, 2014 Report Share Posted January 16, 2014 (edited) Who is your fao? is it Paul Q? Edited January 16, 2014 by m2tyj Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jasons gold Posted January 16, 2014 Report Share Posted January 16, 2014 There have been 4 feo's leave recently mine was one of them ,terry was his name. Essex firearms are in turmoil at the moment, as I understand it certain feo's didn't like the new broom Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brad93 Posted January 16, 2014 Report Share Posted January 16, 2014 Anyone know if Scott is still there? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rimmie Posted January 16, 2014 Report Share Posted January 16, 2014 I heard that john hopes is in nick !! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OddJob Posted January 16, 2014 Report Share Posted January 16, 2014 Just had my renewal through. Best get it in the post ASAP then! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grazy Posted January 16, 2014 Report Share Posted January 16, 2014 Yes they have a few FEOs that have either left or are on sick leave. I've been trying to get hold of one to talk about my house move since before Christmas. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fse10 Posted January 16, 2014 Report Share Posted January 16, 2014 I heard that john hopes is in nick !! He was my FEO, thought he was an ok chap. Dam i wanted to put in for my FAC may leave that for a bit Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Travlaa Posted January 16, 2014 Author Report Share Posted January 16, 2014 Yep it was Paul Q, seems a nice bloke. He did say he was doing about 3peoples work at the time Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hunters_return Posted January 16, 2014 Report Share Posted January 16, 2014 Anyone know if Scott is still there? Yes he is, I spoke to him last week. I have been waiting 8 weeks for my renewal (sgc / fac) I was issued a temp cert on the 12th Jan. That runs out on the 2nd Feb. Essex have lost three FEO's for one reason or another and now have two being trained up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
owo1-man Posted January 19, 2014 Report Share Posted January 19, 2014 I have been waiting since September for my FAC and 8 weeks since my FEO visit, she stated all ok on the visit and 2-6 weeks should see it through,now at 16 weeks since application, phoned them this week and told its on "The Supervisors" desk, from what I'm reading it's a bloody big desk. The wait will go on no doubt Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Travlaa Posted January 20, 2014 Author Report Share Posted January 20, 2014 As an update, I spoke with them again today, apparently they moved offices last week which has slowed things down even more. Told they are currently processing the Grant applications that were received in October (I am guessing that will include yours owo1-man), and they will be getting round to the November applications in a few weeks time. Could be a very long and frustrating wait by the sounds of things. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brad93 Posted January 20, 2014 Report Share Posted January 20, 2014 That's ridiculous. Get in touch with BASC. Never had a problem with them myself, but if they specify a 10 week wait they should stick to it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brad93 Posted January 23, 2014 Report Share Posted January 23, 2014 Rang up today regarding my notification of acquiring a firearm which was emailed in on 13th January. Not been looked at yet still sitting in the pending pile. Wonder how long it will take to get my new permission cleared when I send that in? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alastair0903 Posted January 23, 2014 Report Share Posted January 23, 2014 I just got my renewal letter off them this week , it doesn't expire untill April . I would have had it filled in by now but it seems they can't even send you a form anymore and I have to download and print it myself ! Cumbria always did and still do send forms Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Travlaa Posted January 23, 2014 Author Report Share Posted January 23, 2014 I spoke with the guys from the BASC, they are very good and know exactly what is going on. Although they did say to give them the benefit of the doubt and give them a week. If I haven't heard anything by Monday, then speak to Nick Alston the police crime commissioner. Apparently this time of year is supposed to be he quietest time for grants and renewals. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dorset1973 Posted January 23, 2014 Report Share Posted January 23, 2014 I checked with my local FEO office today that they had received my completed application and that all was correct and present. It was received approx three weeks ago, I asked how long the wait is likely to be and they said between four and six months. Surely this can't be correct? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brad93 Posted January 24, 2014 Report Share Posted January 24, 2014 Get in tou ch with BASC Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
owo1-man Posted January 24, 2014 Report Share Posted January 24, 2014 Have just emailed Chelmsford HQ regarding the 17 weeks I have waited for a yes or no to my application, will keep you posted. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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