People power sees police station closure changes

Buy photos » Willenhall Police Station. 47.011.036.cov.jg1

POLICE chiefs have performed a partial u-turn over plans to reduce opening hours at police stations in Coventry.

Two stations will have their front-desk hours cut as the force battles to save £128 million from its budget. But the cut in hours has been cut itself in response to a petition signed by over 1,000 people.

Willenhall - currently a 24-hour station - was set to open between 10am and 6pm under the original outlines but will now be open from 8am to 10pm.

Foleshill - open from 7am to 10pm - will still see its opening times cut by seven hours but will now be open between midday and 8pm rather than until the originally planned 6pm.

West Midlands Police said it was proof concerns had been listened to after contacting 43,000 people during a consultation on the changes.

They were expected to be given the green light at a Police Authority meeting tonight (Thursday).

City councillor Bally Singh, who spearheaded the campaign along with Police Commissioner hopeful Mike Olley, welcomed the changes. He said the amendments would mean people could visit the stations after work.

He added: “Mike and I had huge support from the people of Coventry concerned about the cuts to front line policing.

“We wish to thank all the people who signed the petition to keep the stations open; they have made the difference.”