Meriden and Solihull East MP Saqib Bhatti has welcomed plans for a permanent police base in Solihull town centre, but says more investment is needed to strengthen policing across the borough.

The MP said plans for Solihull Police Station to move to The Priory on Church Hill Road were a "huge win" for residents following a long-running campaign to keep a permanent police presence in the town.

The proposed move, which was announced at Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council's (SMBC) full council meeting on July 7, would see the police station relocate from its current Homer Road site, subject to approval by the council's cabinet later this month.

Mr Bhatti said he had campaigned to retain a police base in Solihull since he was first elected in 2019.

He said: "It is very clear that a physical base in the heart of Solihull is a must, and this has been achieved after a decade of campaigning by the Solihull Conservatives to stop the closure of Solihull Police Station."

However, the MP said securing a permanent base should be accompanied by additional policing resources across the borough.

He renewed calls for front desk services to return to Chelmsley Wood Police Station and argued that more officers are needed to tackle crime in rural communities.

According to Mr Bhatti, Solihull's rural policing team currently consists of 12 police constables covering more than 42 square miles.

He has called for the team to be doubled in size, citing concerns over rural crime, fly-tipping, and thefts from farms and businesses.

Mr Bhatti added: "This is not the end though, we need more officers across the borough, including in our rural team and a front desk to be open in Chelmsley Wood.

"I, and my fellow Solihull Conservatives, will continue campaigning for this."

The proposed move to The Priory will be considered by SMBC's cabinet later this month.