Police Station Closure: Sutton Coldfield

In a statement to the House of Commons, a minister from the royal town of Sutton Coldfield addressed the proposed closure of the local police station, a matter of grave importance to his constituents. The minister expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to raise this issue, noting that it is not often he has needed to do so on the Adjournment of the House. The minister highlighted the significance of the royal status of Sutton Coldfield, which the government had previously reaffirmed, and the town's growing population of over 100,000 residents, including a major new housing development. He argued that a town of this size requires a fully equipped, proactive, and professional police station to provide core policing services, including a 24/7 response, local criminal investigations, and support for partner agencies. The minister emphasized the importance of local policing, with officers who are familiar with the area and its issues, and who can address minor offenses, antisocial behavior, and work with local businesses and agencies. He noted that the residents of Sutton Coldfield pay £8 million into the police precept each year, and the estimated running cost of the current station represents less than 4% of this annual contribution. The minister expressed his strong opposition to the proposed closure, which he said has appalled virtually all his constituents, and pledged to do his best to prevent any closure or diminution of police activity in the royal town. He also noted that the newly elected Labour West Midlands Mayor had pledged to halt the closure of all 27 police stations in the region, but appears to have little influence over the Labour police and crime commissioner proposing the closure of the Sutton Coldfield station.