Walsall police station deal is agreed in principle

A deal for a £10 million new Walsall Police Station has been agreed "in principle", the Express & Star can reveal today.Council chiefs have now shaken hands on a provisional arrangement.

It will see the town's main police HQ move from its outdated Green Lane base to mainly council-owned land in Hatherton Street.

Cash for the scheme has been earmarked in the West Midlands Police annual capital plan, although swingeing cuts in Government spending could still affect the proposals.

The council's Challenge building in Hatherton Street, currently made up of offices, will be swallowed up by the new base.

And head of property services at West Midlands Police, Robert Graves, said the longstanding talks were nearing fruition.

"We are getting to the point of agreeing heads of terms with Walsall Council," he said.

"It's not a contractual document but we have agreed the basis for a possible deal in principle.

"Walsall Council does not have all the land and there are some small parcels owned by other parties.

"Funding has been allocated in the capital plan, although like everyone, we are waiting for future announcements on government spending."

It previously emerged that Walsall police must leave their town centre base in Green Lane within the next three years because of disability access laws.

West Midlands Police Authority member and St Matthews Councillor Mohammed Arif welcomed the news.

"I'm delighted that we have taken this step forward," he said.

"We look forward to the new police station being built with improved facilities for the town's officers.

"It's about time. It's especially good news in the current climate and is a big boost in terms of the town's regeneration."

New police stations are currently being built in Oxford Street, Bilston and in Bowater Road, West Bromwich.