New Police Team Focuses on Marston Green

Marston Green is to benefit from its own neighbourhood police team following a major West Midlands force reorganisation.

The village was previously policed as part of the Bickenhill & Meriden region – but from April 6 its streets will be patrolled by a team of Police Constables dedicated to serving Marston Green residents.

Vastly experienced Sergeant Liam Dalton heads up the new Marston Green operation. He said: “Previously we had eight PCs covering the whole Bickenhill & Meriden region; from April we have seven alone dedicated to Marston Green. The extra resources means they’ll be able to spend more time on the beat, speaking with residents, and tackling the issues they tell us are most important to them

“I’m keen to speak to as many local people as possible in order to understand their priorities and address any concerns. We’ll be holding monthly police meetings in the community and regular street briefings where the public can raise any issues.”

Sgt Dalton has 28 years’ law and order experience: he began his career with the Met Police in London before moving to CID in Sparkhill and, latterly, various roles with Solihull Police.

His seven-strong Marston Green neighbourhood team will focus solely on neighbourhood issues and, in accordance with national guidelines, spend most of its time patrolling the streets and engaging with residents.

In fact, the restructure – known as Programme Paragon – has seen the number of neighbourhood officers across Solihull borough increase from 72 to 112.

Sgt Dalton, added: “These officers are dedicated to tackling the kinds of issues residents say are most important, things like anti-social behaviour and criminal damage. The whole Paragon reorganisation underpins the force’s commitment to local policing.”

The Marston Green team also has responsibility for policing the NEC.

* Email Sgt Liam Dalton direct on necandmarstongreen@west-midlands.police.uk with any comments about policing in Marston Green, concerns, or suggestions.

* From April 6, residents will be able to influence local police priorities by going to www.solihullpolice.org.uk, clicking on their neighbourhood and casting their vote. Details of upcoming community meetings can also be found on the website.

* To phone your local police station call 0845 113 5000.