BOROUGH MP Julian Knight has called on Solihull Council to provide space for a police and community hub in Shirley.
His demands follow an announcement by David Jamieson, the Police and Crime Commissioner and former Solihull councillor, that 28 stations across the West Midlands force area, including the one in Shirley are to be axed to provide £140million in savings.
The closure and sale of the Shirley Police Station will save the force £50,000 per year and will also raise capital from the sale of the site.
But Mr Knight is angry at the plans and is leading discussions with the local council in an attempt to find a suitable space within a public building or area in Shirley to provide a police and community hub.
Similar initiative across the region have proved successful in recent years.
Speaking to The Observer Mr Knight said Shirley was a very special community and the police station was both a landmark and a point of reassurance to its residents.
He added: “The closure of our police station is disturbing and upsetting, particularly as the Labour Police and Crime Commissioner is currently sitting on £100million in reserves.
“It is important for the police, as well as the local community, that they can have a presence within Shirley for good relations and increased police visibility in the area.
“Police and Community Hubs have worked well elsewhere, and I believe that this could present an excellent opportunity for further integrated working between Solihull Council and the police.”
