CAMPAIGNERS in Brierley Hill say they have copped a raw deal over plans to open a new police HQ in Dudley.

The scheme has been branded ‘illogical’ by Brierley Hill councillors Adam Davies and Wayne Little who said Labour’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Simon Foster, should think again.

Under the plan a new police HQ at Castlegate in Dudley will open and the current police station in Brierley Hill would close and be replaced with a base for neighbourhood officers.

Cllr Davies said: “The PCC’s overall plan makes no sense and is leaving residents in our area feeling massively concerned.

“While we’re pleased the commissioner has accepted our call for the neighbourhood teams to stay based in Brierley Hill, we also need our response teams based locally too; and as Brierley Hill is right in the middle of the Dudley borough it is a far better location for a front desk than Castlegate which is literally on the edge of the borough near Tipton.”

The duo of Conservative councillors presented an 870-name petition and discussed the decision with the PCC at a Strategic Policing and Crime Board meeting but failed to win a change of heart.

PCC Simon Foster said: “Police stations are important, because they provide a reassuring and visible presence for communities. Sadly, as a consequence of the severe financial pressures placed on police forces, tough choices have had to be made, between maintaining and prioritising police officer and staff numbers or police buildings.

“I carefully considered a petition and I am grateful to Councillors Adam Davies and Wayne Little for attending my Strategic Policing and Crime Board with it.”

Mr Foster confirmed the Brierley Hill station will be sold-off but not until after winter 2025.

Cllr Little said: “It simply isn’t credible for the Labour PCC to blame budget cuts for this nonsensical decision.

“In reality, his plan will probably cost the force more because it not only involves £3.35 million to purchase the new site, but also the costs to turn the Castlegate building into a police headquarters.

“His plan won’t save West Midlands Police money and it really makes no sense at all.”

Mr Foster added: “The West Midlands police budget remains under severe pressure – having had to make cuts of £28 million this year – and a further £22 million of cuts will be required in the next financial year. 

“The decision to dispose of Brierley Hill Police Station was made two years ago. It was to be replaced by a new Dudley Police HQ. 

“You have my assurance that Brierley Hill Police Station will not be disposed of until the neighbourhood policing team has been re-located or co-located locally, to a suitable alternative base within Brierley Hill.”