Police station axed in response to budget reductions

A MAJOR West Midlands police station is set to be sold off for possible redevelopment after closing for the last time.

Walsall Police Station in Green Lane has been a fixture in the town for the last 50 years but has now fallen victim to budget reductions.

The building has been the temporary home to a number of staff while nearby Bloxwich Police Station has been refurbished over recent months ready to accommodate staff being relocated.

This is now complete and staff have now moved back to Bloxwich and the front office been reopened to the public.

West Midlands Police said: “Walsall Police Station will now be sold as part of the overall force estates strategy making savings for the force that will protect policing services in Walsall in the future.”

Staff formerly based at the station, together with some neighbourhood policing teams, have been moved into Walsall Civic Centre, sharing accommodation with the local authority.

The force said this had created a new working environment with the police moving into the town centre.

Walsall Commander, Chief Superintendent Jo Clews said: “The changes to policing in Walsall are part of that bigger picture. While we are sad to leave the building that was ‘home’ for so long, it is exciting to move forward into a new building and deliver the best service possible for local people.

“The move will also contribute towards substantial savings the force needs to make now and in the years ahead.”

Assistant Police and Crime Commissioner Judy Foster said: “Police will be based at the new station in Bloxwich and in the centre of Walsall at the Civic Centre which will ensure a strong police presence in the borough.

“The changes we are making are being invested back into the frontline and are helping to ensure the recruitment of 1,150 new officers, staff and PCSOs.”