Police station reopening to public
A village police station that closed to the public more than 10 years ago under controversial restructuring plans will reopen next month, it was confirmed today.
A village police station that closed to the public more than 10 years ago under controversial restructuring plans will reopen next month, it was confirmed today.
The station on Tettenhall High Street, Wolverhampton, will opento the public for four hours every Monday and Friday from December 7.
It comes in response to growing demands for improved face-to-face contact with officers in the village.
Sergeant Mark Evans, the Tettenhall neighbourhood policing team leader who is behind the plans, said: "Since we mooted the idea in October the response has been really positive and it's clear this is wanted in the area.
"By opening our doors we are offering the chance for people to come and talk to us in person, see what we're doing, see how we're trying to help them. It can only be a good thing."
He added that because more than a dozen officers still work from the station, the cost of reopening would be minimal.
"This won't be a fully operational station again, more like a community beat station which the national evidence suggests work really well in places like Tettenhall," he added.
If the opening periods are a success they will the be extended in January with trained volunteers potentially being brought in as receptionists.
Les Bouts of Tettenhall Area Police Liason Group said: "This is largely a low crime neighbourhood but anything which gives the public more access to their local police should be welcomed.
"How successful it is depends on how residents use it so I'd advise anyone with any issues or problems to make sure they pay a visit during opening hours – that's what the police are there for after all.
"I'll certainly be happy to volunteer for a few hours a week myself if it is a success, and I'm sure there are plenty of people who feel the same."
The reopening comes just weeks after Tettenhall was revealed to have the lowest crime figures in Wolverhampton.
The new station openings is just one of several issues expected to be discussed at a meeting of the liason group next month.
Residents will get the chance to grill officers on a range of issues at the meeting to be held at Christ the King Church, Pendeford Avenue, Tettenhall, on Thursday December 3 at 7.30pm.
The station opening times will initially be every Monday and Friday 10am-2pm.
