Police front counters could be moved into supermarkets...

[dutchman]

Coventry's three remaining police front offices could be under threat after the force launched a consultation.

A year-long review has started into how the public contact West Midlands Police, with the force exploring different options that could see front counters shut and officers relocated to supermarkets or council buildings.

At the moment only Coventry Central Police Station, in Little Park Street; Willenhall Police Station, in Chace Avenue, and Foleshill Police Station, in Stoney Stanton Road, are open to the public.

Any changes are likely to be met with opposition – even though police staff are almost certain to be relocated close by.

The review comes at the same time as police consider shutting some of Coventry’s police stations as they battle budget cuts.

Assistant Chief Constable Garry Forsyth, who is leading on the review, said: “We need to ensure people can access the service we deliver in new and more efficient ways and we are asking people to help us do that.

“This project, rightly so, will be subject to extensive ongoing local consultation to ensure services are shaped to meet the needs of the public, balancing accessibility and affordability.

“If any front offices do close as a result of the review we will ensure another wider method of contact is available ? based on what people have told us they want.

“Nothing will change to the local delivery of policing ? neighbourhood teams will continue to patrol and be very much a part of their community.”

Elsewhere in the West Midlands it’s been proposed that police station front counter services will be moved into council buildings.

A review into police buildings in Coventry could see some locations shut anyway – with the city centre station in Little Park Street likely to be closed in the near future.

Police and Crime Commissioner Bob Jones has previously said that the force will retain a city centre presence, with nearby Broadgate House being suggested as a possible new base.

Currently Coventry Central and Willenhall are open to the public 24 hours a day while Foleshill is open from 12-8pm.

Willenhall councillor Dave Chator said he and ward colleagues would oppose any police cuts in the ward.

“It’s been a big boost to the ward,” he said. “Both in terms of employment and in terms of having easy access to the police.”