Candidates speak out on proposed Staffordshire Police firing range

Staffordshire Police asked the current commissioner Matthew Ellis’ office to carry out a business case for a new firing range.

But Mr Ellis told a police scrutiny panel that any decision on the matter would be for the next Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, after elections in May.

He said: “It will be a decision for the new commissioner which way they go. And I’ve only this week received a communication from a police and crime commissioner colleague, reinforcing the fact that they too would like to look at doing it jointly.

“But I don’t think the current chief constable of Staffordshire wants to go down that route. But there is a long way to go and this will be several months down the line. The new commissioner and this panel will have a view to what their thoughts are on the direction of travel.”

Now the two candidates standing to take on the top cop job after Mr Ellis’ departure have had their say on the matter.

Labour candidate and Newcastle councillor Tony Kearon, said: “If there is a serious incident in Staffordshire requiring armed response, we all want those officers to be trained to the peak of effectiveness.

“But £19 million would also deliver a massive boost to everyday policing across Staffordshire. I have not seen the business or operational case for why the current firing range at Baden Hall is deemed no longer sufficient.

“It would not be responsible to make such important decisions on the hoof without first reviewing all the available evidence. Regrettably these are the kinds of choices that years of Government under-funding of our police have forced on us.”

And Conservative candidate and Staffordshire county councillor for Tamworth Ben Adams, said: “It is important that our armed police are fully trained, approved and ready to act to protect us so I would want to be sure we have suitable facilities within reasonable reach of our officers.

“I understand that a business plan is being worked up now. This plan combines a modern firing range with training and operations facilities hence the high headline cost.

“A good business case will scope all the options, including sharing the facility with neighbouring forces. If elected in May I will consider the best way forward very carefully. It will have to provide value for money for local tax payers.”

A Staffordshire Police spokesman said: “The force has been working on options to meet operational, training and estate requirements including for its future firearms’ training venue and broader operational capabilities.

“Given that decisions regarding the estate are for the commissioner to make, his office has been involved in this work throughout and the force is now working with them to prepare a full business case for consideration by the commissioner regarding the force’s future operational requirements as part of the redevelopment of the HQ site.”