New neighbourhood police base officially opens

The site was officially opened by Ch Supt Paul Joyce (third from left) and West Midlands PCC Simon Foster (fourth from left)

A new 24-hour police base has been officially opened with the promise it will help tackle local crimes.

The West Midlands Police base in Canley, Coventry, is home to neighbourhood teams, emergency response officers and a specialist task force.

It replaces a 1960s building which had been listed for closure since 2018 and was deemed not fit for purpose.

The base on Bow Court was opened on Thursday by Ch Supt Paul Joyce and the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, Simon Foster.

Ch Supt Joyce said the team had already made a difference in the community.

"A recent patrol by local neighbourhood officers nearby resulted in the arrest of a man found with 14 wraps of heroin, two bags of suspected cannabis, £550 in cash and a ball of what was believed to be crack cocaine worth £10,000," he said.

Foster added: "It's been pleasing to see the teams in action here in Canley and to see the impact they're having in the community to help prevent and tackle crime and anti-social behaviour.

"I will continue to rebuild community policing to ensure an accessible, reassuring and visible presence out on the streets."

West Midlands Police said the money raised from the sale of the old base would be reinvested into policing.