After 50 years Walsall police station to close in weeks
Walsall police station will close its doors for the final time next month after 50 years as a town centre base for officers.
The closure, which forms part of plans from West Midlands Police to save more than £3 million a year, will go ahead on October 9.
The station had been intended to close as an active station on May 31, but officers were delayed from moving out while refurbishment work was carried out at Bloxwich Police Station where they will now be based.
The closure will double-up as a day for members of the public in Walsall to say their goodbyes to the station.
Kevin Pitt, Walsall's police and community partnerships officer, said: "As most of my loyal public already know, we are currently moving out of Walsall Police Station for our new borough headquarters at Bloxwich.
"So, this year, rather than an 'open day', we're holding a 'closing day' event on Sunday, October 9, which is the last day that the building will officially function as a police station.
"The building was designed as the HQ for Walsall Borough Police and opened operationally on the October 19, 1966 when it replaced the former premises in Goodall Street and High Street, so will have managed just short of 50 years' service to the people of Walsall."
For those who want to attend the closing day event, the station will be open between 1pm and 3pm.
Activities include a ceremonial flag lowering performed by the Mayor of Walsall at 1pm, a display of 'preserved' former police vehicles alongside examples of the forces current fleet, police equipment past and present, a display of the history of the building and guided tours.
Money will be raised to support the charity Care of Police Survivor.
The station is one of 27 in the West Midlands to have been affected by closures following a year long review carried out by the force in 2014.
The closures follow analysis which showed there was little demand from the public during the evening and overnight and most people wanted more modern ways of contacting the police.
Some 64 officers have already completed a move into Walsall Civic Centre in July.
The base is now home to staff from the Paddock, Palfrey, Pleck and St Matthews neighbourhood teams.
The station will be sold off.
