Mounted police unit set to return after 25 years

Mounted police could soon be based in Birmingham for the first time in more than a quarter of a century.

West Midlands Police said a horse team could play a key role in fighting crime in city centres and residential neighbourhoods.

Officers on horseback have frequently been used in the force area in recent years at events such as football matches, but they are drawn from other forces.

A previous mounted unit was disbanded in 1999, but a stable block at the force's Tally Ho Training Centre in Edgbaston has been put forward as the base for the proposed new team.

If approved, the base could be operational by the end of the summer, the force said.

Recruitment for a sergeant and constables has already begun.

West Midlands Police is one of the biggest forces in the country, covering Birmingham, Coventry, Wolverhampton and the Black Country.

"Mounted police are being increasingly used at major sporting events in the region and the site is well located as the police horses would be able to walk from the site into the city centre, rather than being transported from other parts of the country," a report to Birmingham City Council said.

The force said the proposals would offer a "cost effective method" of policing football fixtures and public events as well as "significantly enhanced visibility and reassurance".

The report added: "West Midlands Police have stated that, from a public order perspective, horses have a unique presence which can impact upon crowd dynamics and reduce the risk to the public."

Concerns were raised about noise and odour, but the plans stated waste would be regularly removed from the site and there would be no open manure piles.

The plans have been recommended for approval, subject to a legal agreement, and will be considered by a city council planning committee on Thursday.

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

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