Tighter security on way at police station - Measures to include new 2.8m fence

The new measures come as part of a security review undertaken by the West Midlands Police.

The work will see the metal fencing, ranging from 2.4m to 2.8m and a new car park barrier installed at the Holyhead Road station.

The design and access statement submitted by the police stated: "A security review was undertaken of all police stations and as a result, Wednesbury Police Station requires full height security fencing and barrier control with grilles to make the station secure.

"The use of the security fencing and barrier control is a necessity, as all police stations are making security a priority.

"Currently, the rear car park is open and vulnerable to attack.

"By enclosing the rear car park with fencing and a new car park barrier, better protection is provided for the police officers and staff."

It adds: "The amount of fencing used is restricted to the boundary of the rear car park.

"With regard to scale of the fencing, we have tried to keep the height from a datum point, this being height of the flat roof to the single storey rear building.

"The existing land is not level; the boundary wall is also staggered in places; hence the height of the fencing is not consistent.

"The existing landscaping is being retained, with the fencing going behind the landscaping.

"With the proposed works, access to the rear car park, will not changed. The proposals are merely making the security of the rear car park better.

"The proposed security works is a necessity in order to keep the police stations and occupants safe and secure."

Hannah Fitzgerald, West Midlands Police spokeswoman, added: "Following a routine review conducted in early 2015 of security we identified the need for higher fencing to be installed around one of the car parks.

"To enable us to do this we needed to seek planning permission. We have applied to increase the perimeter fence and await the outcome."

It comes after the force announced five of its police stations in Dudley will start closing down from January 31.

The closures are part of a West Midlands Police plan to shut 28 saving £6.8million.

First to be axed will be Netherton, followed by Dudley, Halesowen, Stourbridge the Kingswinford. Six more will close in Wolverhampton and one in Smethwick.