POLICE chiefs have been accused of using Bob Jones’ death to break a commitment made by the late police and crime commissioner.
The force is looking to close sector houses in Coventry as part of a review of its estate.
And one city councillor claimed the move would go against promises made by Mr Jones last year.
Coun Patricia Hetherton called on the force to consult locals before closing a site in Tremelay Drive, Tile Hill and two others in Spon End and Radford.
She said Mr Jones, who died last month aged 59, had confirmed the force would hold an extensive public consultation.
A police spokesman said no decision would be made until early plans had been developed.
But Coun Hertheton, a Labour councillor for Woodlands ward, said: “Last September the police sector house in Tile Hill closed suddenly, but was reopened due to the adverse reaction from local people, which I was able to convey to the police authorities.
“We accept that the current building may not be entirely suitable for its purpose, but we strongly agree with our constituents that any proposed move must ensure the team is still based in the local area.”
She added a fall in crime across the area was welcome but that it had come about from visible policing and strong relationships with residents.
A police spokesman said a review of the force’s Coventry estate would be split into two.
“Stage one looks at vacant buildings, buildings not used for public meetings or buildings where there is no open front office provision.
“All of the other buildings within Coventry will form part of the stage two review.
“There will be no changes to service delivery as a result of this review – local neighbourhood teams will very much continue to work within and be part of the local community.”
Acting commissioner Yvonne Mosquito will be briefed on the review tomorrow (Friday) before it goes before a strategic crime board next month.
