Police base opening in Stourbridge welcomed by politicians

Police officers started to move into their new base at Copthall House in New Road on Thursday November 7.

Stourbridge has been without a dedicated police base since Stourbridge Police Station, also in New Road, closed in 2017 and was converted into residential homes.

However, officers from the Stourbridge & Lye neighbourhood policing teams have been given a new home within a secure office block – just a stone’s throw from the town’s original police station on the ring road.

Emergency response officers who attend 999 calls will also start to use the base in the coming months.

Inside the new Stourbridge police base (Image: West Midlands Police)

Stourbridge Labour MP Cat Eccles thanked the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster for his work to return police to the town and she said: “I am absolutely delighted to see a firm police presence back in Stourbridge.

“Since campaigning on this issue since 2017, and when knocking on people’s doors in my capacity as a councillor and an MP, I have heard first-hand the concerns and anxieties people have about anti-social behaviour in Stourbridge.

“It is immensely satisfying to see this hard work come to fruition, and I wish to thank Simon Foster for his hard efforts in making this happen.

"I have raised community concerns with Simon, and the local police chiefs, about the lack of front desk in the station.

“Due to staffing pressures, West Midlands Police want to use resources to ensure that there are feet on the ground instead of losing a full staff member to a front desk.

“We now also have a Police Community Support Officer patrolling the town every day.

“This is a vital step in tackling the anti-social behaviour that plagues small business and individuals just trying to get on with their day.”

Copthall House in New Road - which has welcomed police officers who have taken on an office in the shared block (Image: Newsquest)

Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster hailed the opening of the new base as "welcome news for the community of Stourbridge" and part of efforts to "rebuild community policing".

It is not open to the public but it will serve as a base for up to 60 police officers.

The PCC said: "This investment will ensure a police estate that is fit for the 21st century.

“The plan places significant importance on community policing and police officers here in the West Midlands, working in local communities to prevent, tackle and reduce crime, to keep people, families, businesses and the local community safe and secure.

“Local officers having a dedicated base, especially in a busy town centre, is important because it provides a reassuring – and visible – police presence for communities.”

Wollaston and Stourbridge Town councillor Jason Griffin welcomed the opening of the new base and said: “I'm delighted it's now operational, a return to 'boots on the ground' and local policing is desperately needed.

“I see it as a real positive for the town and wider community.”

The new base will be officially opened by the Chief Constable and Police and Crime Commissioner at the end of the month.