Sedgley police station sale branded 'diabolical' by councillor
A village's police station has gone up for sale as part of cost-cutting plans by West Midlands Police.
Sedgley Police Station will go under the hammer on March 31 in a sale by Bond Wolfe Auctions.
The police station is one of more than 70 to close over the last decade as part of West Midlands Police’s estates programme, which aims to save money by disposing underused buildings.
The sale however has been branded "diabolical" by Sedgley ward councillor Michael Evans who believes the station, on Vicar Street, should be kept in the community.
Councillor Evans, a Conservative, said: "It is a big mistake [selling the police station]. The quality of policing has gone right down [since it was closed to the public].
"I am completely against the closure of the police station. It is diabolical. It is a place where people can phone and get in touch with officers in the area.
"It is taking away the right for people to feel feel safe."
Officers based at Sedgley police station moved from the premises in October however the front desk had closed before that period.
Those staff members were relocated to Dudley Fire Station as part of the estates programme.
David Jamieson, the Labour West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, said in October: "Co-locating with our colleagues at West Midlands Fire Service has allowed neighbourhood teams to remain where the public want them to be. At the heart of the communities which they serve.
"Not only will this move allow us to save money but it will also mean that officers are able to work much closer with the fire service."
Bond Wolfe Auctions is yet to publish more information about the upcoming auction, such as a list of properties and prices on the day.
