THE new inspector for Wyre Forest Police has shared his plans to make local policing more effective - which includes moving officers back into the town hall.

Former Bromsgrove Police sergeant David King, aged 43, took over the role of Wyre Forest Safer Neighbourhood Team inspector on July 1, and has already set to work on a new Multi-Agency Targeted Enforcement group, a Police in Schools Panel, and revealed plans to increase police presence in Kidderminster Town Centre by reopening an office within the town hall.

Inspector King, who has been with West Mercia Police for 18 years, told The Shuttle: "Wyre Forest Police works efficiently already, but I’d like to help it to work more effectively.

"From next month, the new Wyre Forest Multi-Agency Targeted Enforcement group will work with immigration, environmental services, regulatory services, licensing and community housing to help us to work more collaboratively and effectively.

"There will also be closer interaction with parish councillors and district councillors to identify the issues at the heart of Wyre Forest's communities.

"I set this up in Bromsgrove and it was very effective."

Inspector King will also sit on the new Wyre Forest Police in Schools Panel alongside children's services and local headteachers to discuss emerging trends and concerns, and to provide advice.

"This isn't just about targeting children who are in trouble," he said. "We'll also be working with schools to help vulnerable children who are at risk of falling into the wrong crowds, or of turning to drink or drugs."

As part of plans to increase collaboration with partner agencies, West Mercia Police will also be moving some of its officers back into the old office at Kidderminster Town Hall.

Inspector King said: "In 1899 police first moved into the town hall and up until the 1950s we had police based out of the town hall.

"When I took the job I asked if we can move some officers back into the old police station.

"It means officers will be more centrally based and have a greater presence in Kidderminster town centre, so they will be closer to the shopping centre and to shops around the town.

"It also means we can work more closely with our partner agencies like Kidderminster Town Council, which owns the town hall, and with the public and local schools.

"The old court house at the town hall can be used for educational purposes."

He said Greenhill SNT's two police constables and three community support officers will be based from the office, while other SNTs will also have access.

The office will not be open 24 hours a day, and members of the public will still need to visit the police station in Habberley Road to report crime.

Inspector King said police will also be working with partner agencies to crack down on burglaries, domestic abuse and speeding.

He said: "We can't shy away from police cuts but there is an influx of officers coming across the division who are in training at the moment.

"There is a national appetite to invest in emergency services and the new prime minister has already laid his cards on the table when it comes to investing in police forces."

He added: "I want the public to know that we are there. The police aren't the enemy. We're working to support them - to assist and protect."