Public Meeting to Discuss Opening Hours of Handsworth Library and the Proposed Overnight Closure of Thornhill Road Police Station

As an elected member, local residents are always raising issues with me. Sometimes these issues are related to their individual needs and other times, the issues are related to the wider community. In recent weeks, many residents have raised two particular issues with me more than anything else – the opening hours of Handsworth Library and the proposed overnight closure of Thornhill Road Police Station.

I subsequently felt that it was important to discuss both these issues in the public domain with relevant authorities. I called and Chaired a public meeting on Saturday 26th November at City College Birmingham (Handsworth Campus). The venue was ideal with both services that are being discussed less than a stone throw away.

I was pleased that during the debate that particular Saturday afternoon, nearly 100 local residents attended and contributed to an excellent debate.

The panel for the opening discussion on the opening hours of the library consisted of local MP Khalid Mahmood, Cllr. Quinnen, Co-Chair of the Lozells Neighbourhood Forum Sister Helen Ryan and lead member of the Handsworth Against Cuts Group Sue Thomas. Many residents highlighted the importance of the library and how it was important for Birmingham City Council to ensure that the library was open for the maximum period available. A petition was also making its way round the community that I subsequently presented to the December Full Council Meeting encouraging Birmingham City Council to protect the opening hours of the library.

I have since carried out the three actions called upon me to write to the Cabinet Member responsible for Libraries asking whether an equality impact assessment had been carried out, whether local residents can get involved in the review of the library service and whether the local authority had a plan in place to look at volunteers from the local community to assist with the running of the library (and not in place of professional staff).

I have been informed since that an equality impact assessment has been carried out, local residents have been consulted and will continue to be consulted. I also understand that following the review, there will be measures in place to recruit local volunteers to assist the library.

The second discussion included a panel consisting of local MP Khalid Mahmood, Cllr Quinnen, Cllr Lal, Chair of the West Midlands Police Authority Bishop Derek Webley, Local Police Commander Chief Superintendent Clive Burgess, Chief Inspector Sean Russell and the front-runner to be the West Midlands Police & Crime Commissioner, Honoury Alderman Mike Olley.

Many members of the public highlighted the importance of maintain the opening of the police station to the current 24 hours. The Police representatives conveyed the current overnight demand at the station as well as highlighting that tough decisions had to be made in light of the £126 million reduction in the West Midlands Police budget over the next four years (20% of budget).

Mike Olley highlighted the need for better consultation from the Police which was appreciated by Bishop Webley who promised to ensure that the Police Authority will look into this.

I am concerned that we have already lost 67% of our Police Constables from the Neighbourhood Police team in the ward and with this further cut to facilities in the area, would West Midlands Police have the sufficient resources to Police our area effectively? I will continue to ask the questions of those that are making the decisions.