West Midlands Mayor Andy Street says he shares residents’ anxiety over plans to close ‘at least’ 30 police stations across the region – including Aldridge.
The station in Anchor Road, which has watched over Aldridge for decades, is earmarked for closure by the region’s Police and Crime Commissioner, along with dozens of others in communities throughout the West Midlands.
But now Mr Street – who leads the West Midlands Combined Authority – is calling for the region’s Mayor to be given oversight of Policing, in a new set-up matching Manchester and London.
And he says that if he is re-elected in May – and is given control of policing – he will immediately put the closure plans for Aldridge Police Station on hold.
Mr Street said: “The West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner has plans to close at least 30 police stations. I simply don’t agree with this approach, and I know local residents in places like Aldridge have the same concerns.
“Police stations are very important to local communities – they provide not only a clear visual presence for the police but also ground local officers in the community they serve.”
As Pioneer Magazine went to press, the Home Secretary was set to announce whether or not the powers of the Police and Crime Commissioner would be transferred to the West Midlands Mayor after May’s election. This followed the formal request from Andy.
Andy explained: “The current approach to crime in our region is just not working, that is clear. In the last eight years crime here in the West Midlands has doubled.
“The Mayors of London and Greater Manchester already have powers over the Police, and I think it’s time that we take the same approach here in the West Midlands.
“If I am re-elected as Mayor– with the PCC’s powers transferred – there will be an immediate moratorium on these planned station closures, including Aldridge. None of these closures would go ahead until I have vigorously reviewed them.”
Andy Street is calling for the Mayor’s office to take over responsibility for oversight of West Midlands Police – and has promised to freeze the planned closure of 30 police stations if he is re-elected.