Latest Information on Wednesfield Police Station.

I had a conversation with Chief Constable Chris Simms this morning. It had been arranged several days ago. It was a friendly conversation.

The Chief Constable explained that he recognised that the decision to reduce the public opening hours at Wednesfield police Station took him into what he described as “controversial territory".

He admitted that it was an operational decision but nevertheless “a difficult one to make". He wished me to understand that the police were not diluting their service they were to ensure that the public protection and the service they provide to the people of Wednesfield would still be delivered, but the shape of the delivery “would be different" from what we currently had.

I made the point strongly that by reducing the public service at Wednesfield Police Station from the current around the clock service would create barriers to the police. I explained that I thought that this decision was indeed the wrong step to take. The Chief further explained that the resource requirement and its cost, far outweighed the benefit of the current service being carried out in its present form, at a time when the whole of public service had to face up to a cut in resources.

He very much recognised that there was “emotional attachment" but the usage was low (some 14 people per 24 hour period) taking advantage of the current service on offer.

We further discussed this issue and Chief Constable Simms without disclosing the actual revenue cost, said that the "cost of the current service was monumental".
I took this to be a declaration relating to number of stations that were seeing the reduction in opening hours- not just the Wednesfield Police Station.

The conversation was coming to an end, and it was important that I reemphasised my belief that the policy change would be seen to be poor public relations, and it would be ultimately hurt the local police service. The Chief was bold and said that "in his opinion that the local police would work with their community partners to find better, more innovative ways, to communicate."

I thanked Chief Constable Simms for his time. I am grateful for being able to place the views I had, and of those that have signed petition, directly to him. The Chief signed off by repeating that the consultation was still taking place. So my advice to Wednesfield Villagers...if you still wish to have your voice heard write directly to the police.There is still time!