Police choose Walsall and Willenhall as first areas to seriously tackle violent crime

Walsall Council bosses were told that both town centres have been made ‘impact zones’ by police, at a meeting this week..

Chief superintendent Andy Parsons, of Walsall Police, said this means both areas will see more of a focus on the areas to tackle incidents including violent crime and aggressive begging.

He added they would also work with partner organisations, such as Walsall Housing Group, on issues such as homelessness.

Improving and revitalising the main town centre has already been listed as a key priority of the long-term Walsall Plan.

A report to the board said: “A priority focus for West Midlands Police will be to support the Walsall Plan priority to regenerate Walsall town centre.

“Our focus is to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour and increase feelings of safety by managing vulnerable individuals into treatment to improve the economic viability and prosperity of the place.

“To support this work the area has now been designated as an Impact Zone which will attract additional resource and support.”

Chief Supt Parsons added: “We have a huge amount of demand and volume in a small geographical area and when you start to consult with partners, it’s no surprise that you develop a number of common themes.

“We’ve identified Walsall town centre and Willenhall town centre as the first two zones where we will be looking to invest more resource locally into those areas but also ask other West Midlands Police departments if they will bring some sort of elevated service.

“Part of that will be linking across and working with partners. I’ve got no doubt that there will be a number of opportunities, for example with housing.

“We’ve already started conversations around that to do with rough sleeping and aggressive begging.”