Residents in Brierley Hill are set to benefit from a more visible, proactive and modern police presence, following changes to local policing arrangements discussed last week by Cat Eccles MP and the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, Simon Foster.
The meeting focused on how recent relocations are strengthening neighbourhood policing on the ground – increasing patrols, improving response capability, and ensuring officers are spending more time out in the community rather than tied to under-used buildings.
Cat Eccles MP welcomed the shift, which reflects the Government’s Community Policing Model: prioritising boots on the ground, faster response times and modern operational bases that support today’s policing challenges.
Key improvements for Brierley Hill include:
• Active neighbourhood and retail policing teams remaining locally, with officers focused on high-visibility patrols and tackling anti-social behaviour
• Response teams operating flexibly across Dudley and Stourbridge, ensuring quicker coverage where demand is highest
• A new operational police base already open at the Waterfront, with further modern facilities coming on stream soon at Cable Plaza
Some have falsely accused that the closure of the old police station means a reduction in police presence in Brierley Hill but the PCC confirmed this is simply not true. Public use of traditional police station front desks has fallen sharply in recent years, with most visits limited to paperwork and bail reporting. The changes mean officers are no longer tied to outdated buildings and can instead concentrate on keeping streets, shops and neighbourhoods safe.
Alongside this, Cat Eccles MP has secured a major win for the community: agreement in principle for the former Brierley Hill Police Station to be repurposed for community use once police vacate the site.
This outcome is supported by the PCC, backed by the Brierley Hill Community Forum, and follows the successful model of the neighbouring Civic Hall. Discussions are ongoing with Dudley Council and Dudley CVS around a low-cost community transfer, opening the door for the building to become a valued local asset rather than standing empty.
Cat Eccles MP said:
“This is about modern policing that works for Brierley Hill. These changes mean officers are more visible, more mobile and better supported to focus on what matters most – keeping people safe.
“I’m also really pleased to have secured agreement for the old police station to have a future at the heart of the community. Instead of an empty building, we now have a genuine opportunity to create a space that local people can use and benefit from.”
Clearance and security works are already underway at the police station site as parts of the building become vacant, with additional measures in place to reassure neighbours during the transition.
The Police and Crime Commissioner also confirmed his commitment to transparent communication with residents and to working with local partners on the next steps.
Cat added:
“Brierley Hill deserves strong, visible policing and thriving community spaces. This delivers both – and I’ll keep working with the police, the PCC and local groups to make sure residents see the benefits on their streets.”
Residents will be kept updated as plans for the community reuse of the building are developed in the months ahead.
ENDS
