Mounted West Midlands Police unit plans approved

West Midlands Police is to introduce its own mounted unit to help maintain order at major events such as football matches.

Last week, Birmingham City Council's planning committee approved proposals to remove two bowling greens at the Tally Ho Training Centre in Pershore Road, Edgbaston to house the new facility.

The plans involve the creation of a stable for 12 horses while the existing bowling club would be retained for visitors.

A previous mounted unit was disbanded by the force in 1999.

The committee meeting heard there was an increasing demand for mounted officers, particularly at football matches.

The force said locating the team at its training centre was ideal as horses could trot into the city centre, rather than being transported from elsewhere in the country.

Officers also said the loss of the bowling greens was mitigated by other nearby facilities, while the previous occupiers had successfully relocated nearby.

A total of four new full-time police staff roles would also be created as a result of the plans.

West Midlands Police is one of the biggest forces in the country and Birmingham councillor Lee Marsham said he was "always amazed" at how far mounted officers had to be brought in from.

"I imagine that is considerable expense for West Midlands Police but also not great for animal welfare to travel such a distance as well," he added.

"I think this is something we should be supporting."

Councillor Gareth Moore said the mounted unit would be an opportunity to strengthen policing within the city.

"There are very few police forces that do have their own mounted unit and it will be an opportunity for us to support others with their policing needs," he said.

"This gives a real opportunity for West Midlands Police to be on the map as it should be. So loss of the bowling green is regrettable, but the report sets out there is alternative provision."

This news has been gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, which covers councils and other public service organisations.

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