Walsall police to move into civic centre despite outcry

And it has emerged the council is also interested in taking over the police station when officers leave.

Police bosses today revealed that detailed talks are being held for the moves to go ahead.

The West Midlands force announced last year that the move was one of its options as part of a review of bases across the region.

Up to 200 officers would relocate to the Darwall Street civic centre from the station in Green Lane.

The current Bloxwich Police Station would become the borough's main headquarters.

Senior figures had raised concerns that a police presence would be lost in the heart of the borough.

Plans for a new £13 million HQ in the town centre, which was initially earmarked for Hatherton Street, are being scrapped.

West Midlands Police spokeswoman Caroline Schubert said: "West Midlands Police are reviewing the provision of police bases within the West Midlands, including the Walsall area, to provide better value for money for the tax payers. The project includes the proposed provision of space at Walsall Council's civic centre.

"West Midlands Police are working with the council to identify the required space and supporting facilities required to continue to deliver services to the area. The proposed plans are currently being reviewed to ensure the best value for both the council and West Midlands Police."

Council leader Mike Bird said the council would look to take over the police station but did not know what it would be used for.

He said: "It could be offices - we don't know. It is an iconic building and a gateway to the town centre.

"We are angered by what is happening as it seems this £13m that was due to be spent on Walsall has just gone.

"But at least this way we are finding a way to keep police officers in the town. There is a feeling of wellbeing for residents if police are based there and it is important to keep them in Walsall."

Police say the existing Walsall Police Station costs the force £500,000 a year in maintenance at a time when it is under increasing financial pressures.

The changes are subject to the signing of a lease agreement. But they insist the aim is to create a 'better link' between police and council services.

Walsall Police would move its partnerships team and a number of neighbourhood teams, such as St Matthews, Paddock, Palfrey and Pleck, to the civic centre.

It comes after the region's Police and Crime Commissioner Bob Jones launched a review of the force's estate.

Councillor Mohammed Arif, who sat on the West Midlands Police Authority, was one of the opponents to the idea. He said: "We know that visibility of police is the key. People coming and going to a police station or even a satellite station has that impact on reduction in crime. That acts as a deterrent effect."