Local Conservative campaigner and prospective council candidate, Rob Coleman, has publicly condemned the decision to close the Jewellery Quarter Police station on Warstone Lane.
Plans to close 28 local police stations were drawn up by Labours’ Police and Crime Commissioner, David Jamieson, who only recently signed off on a £33 million refurbishment scheme for the Police’s Headquarters in the heart of Birmingham. The proposed closure of the Jewellery Quarter Police Station has reverberated strongly throughout the local community with 80% of businesses expressing their concerns that the forced closure of this station could leave their premises vulnerable.
Reflecting upon the proposals, Robert commented "Having signed petitions on this issue myself, I find the decision to close the Jewellery Quarter Police Station is nothing short of irresponsible and believe that it may have serious consequences for the safety and security of local retailers and residents. It is common sense that the local businesses cannot afford to be without the station, whose presence both deters criminals and provides an essential service to the community.
Over the past five years there has been a steady fall in crime across Ladywood and recently we learnt that the Policing budget will be protected. However, despite the promise of sustained funding, the closure of the Jewellery Quarter Police station has now been approved.
Clearly this Labour PCC has got his priorities wrong. Rather than meeting the £8.5 million commitment required to keep the Jewellery Quarter, and 27 other stations open, he would prefer to spend £500,000 closing them and £33million refurbishing the Police’s administrative Headquarters at Lloyd House.
Whilst I would support sensible measures to deliver the public a more cost-efficient service, the Police should have the freedom and resources they require to fulfil their duties. This is precisely why stations like Warstone Lane should remain open".