New police station opens in Stourbridge town centre - but there's a catch

A new police base has officially opened in a Black Country town - and has been praised as 'welcome news' for the community. Officers began moving into the new base in Stourbridge town centre at the start of the month.

The opening within Copthall House in New Road promises to bring an "increased police presence" locally. However, the new site is not open to the public and does not have a contact office.

Victims wanting to report crimes face to face will therefore still have to visit their nearest open police station - which will become Kidderminster.

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Commenting on the new police base, Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster, added: “I know just how welcome this news is for the community of Stourbridge. People, families, businesses and the local community will feel reassured, as I deliver on my pledge to provide a police base in Stourbridge town centre and my pledge to continue to rebuild community policing.

“This investment, which will eventually be home to around 60 officers, will ensure a police estate that is fit for the 21st century. Local officers having a dedicated base, especially in a busy town centre, is vitally important because it provides a reassuring – and visible – police presence for communities.”

Officers started moving into the base on November 7, when the Stourbridge & Lye neighbourhood policing teams transferred. Over the coming months, the force says they will be joined by Response officers who attend 999 emergencies.

Chief Superintendent Anthony Tagg, who is responsible for policing across the whole of the Dudley borough, said: “I’m really pleased with the new facilities and it’s great to finally see them in person, now that the works are complete.

“While our officers never truly left Stourbridge, it’s been some time since we’ve had base in the town. I know that was important to people – including hard working cops themselves. That’s why we’ve honoured our pledge to have a base in the town by opening this site.

“The new base offers good value for public money and good facilities for officers.” People are advised to report crimes on the West Midlands Police website westmidlands.police.uk or by calling 101.

West Midlands Police said: "Those who prefer to speak to officers face-to-face should visit their nearest open police station, found by searching Find a police station | West Midlands Police. In an emergency, people should always phone 999."

However, the Brierley Hill police station - which is currently closest - will be closing in winter 2025 as it is "no longer fit for purpose." Police explained: "In further changes to policing in Dudley borough, winter 2025 will see the opening of a new Dudley Police headquarters in Castlegate business park.

"At the same time, Brierley Hill police station - which is no longer fit for purpose - will close. The Brierley Hill neighbourhood policing team will move into a new base in area they patrol.

"Work is underway to find a suitable base in Halesowen for the teams who will move when our Halesowen base closes. The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner owns our buildings while the Chief Constable decides how we use them."