Parliament to debate anti-social behaviour in Dudley

Sonia Kumar, MP for the town, has secured a debate at Westminster Hall at 4pm, and will be attended by a government minister. 

It comes in the wake of a number of incidents in the area, including an alleged assault in Sedgley last week which left a female police officer needing hospital treatment.

Miss Kumar said anti-social behaviour was an issue which came up time and again while knocking doors in the constituency.

"Every time I go out door-knocking, people are talking about anti-social behaviour, car theft, gangs hanging around the area or drug-taking," she said.

"We want to see an increased police presence, I think it is really important to get more officers on the beat, and we also need better youth services.

"The Meadow Road youth centre in Wren's Nest may close, and it's really important that we keep that open."

Earlier this month, police said that teams had been out and about to address concerns around anti-social behaviour across Dudley.

"Officers from our Dudley central team carried out patrols in Banklands Road following issues with off-road bikes," said a force spokesman.

"We recovered a helmet left on the grassed area and carrying out further inquiries.

"Our Halesowen team also conducted patrols around the town centre and Belle Vale areas to ensure we're keeping the public safe.

"We've been engaging with our communities, hosting a police surgery at the pavillion on Priory Park."