A Sutton Coldfield town centre bypass has been planned to run through the threatened police station, it has emerged.

Details of the transport plan came as West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson was challenged about the closure of the building.

Plans for a new road to take traffic off the busy town centre ring road were first drawn up during the 1980s.

They have been on various official development plans ever since, yet there has never been enough cash available to build the bypass.

But with transport funding increasing through HS2 spin-off cash and the devolution of Government powers to the West Midlands Combined Authority, there is now more likelihood of getting the long-awaited road project underway.

Mr Jamieson highlighted the bypass plan as he made his statement as he approved the chief constable’s proposals to shut 24 stations across the region as a cost-cutting measure designed to save £5 million a year in running costs.

West Midlands Police force is looking to sell off Sutton Coldfield Police Station to plug a funding gap for 2018/19
West Midlands Police force is looking to sell off Sutton Coldfield Police Station to plug a funding gap for 2018/19

The commissioner’s public board meeting heard that the vast Sutton Coldfield building is only about 10 per cent occupied and were assured that replacement offices, including a front desk with public access, would be found elsewhere in the town centre before it closes.

But Mr Jamieson said: “The Sutton Coldfield plan features an indicative route for a relief road going right through the police station.”

And added that local objectors from the Town Council should have been aware of the plan.

He also hit out at Sutton Coldfield’s Conservative MP Andrew Mitchell who said the decision to axe main police stations in Sutton Coldfield, as well as Solihull, was politically motivated.

Mr Jamieson called on the chief constable Dave Thompson and head of property Andy Kelly to confirm he had no input in the selection of the 24 stations to be closed - it was purely an operational matter.

Sutton Coldfield Town Centre

Mr Thompson confirmed that he had made the decision.

He added: “No police building currently open to the public will close without first being replaced by a more efficient one nearby.”

Mr Kelly said that they hope to find a unit in the Red Rose or Gracechurch Centre for a police office and front desk.

Although the broad plan and timetable has been signed off Mr Jamieson said that the police would be required to consult with local communities about each individual building closure, and their replacement as they arise.