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Message received from Thames Valley Police Firearms Licensing Department.

‘Due to a major water leak the work of the firearms licensing department at Headquarters, Kidlington is likely to be disrupted for some time. Staff have been relocated and will continue to work hard to minimise any delays in the service provided, however, we would ask the shooting community to bear with us whilst this situation is being resolved.

The firearms licensing email is still available and will be monitored during between the hours of 0800 – 1600 (Monday – Friday).

Telephone lines will be open as usual between the hours of 1400 – 1600, however, these lines are limited and we would ask that the first point of contact is via the firearms licensing email address – firearmslicensing@thamesvalley.pnn.police.uk’

Hmm considering the current reports of variation and renewal times I don't see any likelyhood of delays being minimised! and I think we may already have been bearing with them, ho hum .......................

Thanks for that - have circulated accordingly.

Another compelling reason for delays !

Anyone received an update on this, need to put a variation request in and am trying to gauge how long it might take in order to ensure I've enough ammunition to keep banging until they get my licence back to me?

shugie wrote:Anyone received an update on this, need to put a variation request in and am trying to gauge how long it might take in order to ensure I've enough ammunition to keep banging until they get my licence back to me?

Keep your FAC
Tell them you'll return/exchange it for the varied one when it's ready/amended.

There is a big backlog and not enough staff. Currently 16 weeks and counting for my renewal...

saddler wrote:

shugie wrote:Anyone received an update on this, need to put a variation request in and am trying to gauge how long it might take in order to ensure I've enough ammunition to keep banging until they get my licence back to me?

Keep your FAC
Tell them you'll return/exchange it for the varied one when it's ready/amended.

Will they do such a thing? Not heard of that as an option, and possibly they'll just say they won't start processing the variation without the licence. But I will email them and ask.

Police Scotland do it.
Pretty sure such advice is in writing elsewhere too.

They do NOT require your paper copy (of EXACTLY the same set of information as they already hold on file for you) before doing a variation. A scan at best should be sufficient.

Near top of TVP variation form

"The certificate to be varied must be enclosed with this form"

I might ask them in light of the backlog whether on this occasion they might be prepared to accept a scanned copy.

i've had the same with Herts/Beds. I just drop it in with a note telling them i'll drop it off when collecting the new one. find it speeds things up