LABOUR'S shadow policing minister visited Halesowen this week and pledged the party would put bobbies back on the beat.

Louise Haigh met with Labour candidate for Halesowen and Rowley Regis Ian Cooper outside Halesowen police station in Laurel Lane - which does not have a front desk open to the public and is set to close in 2021.

The pair talked to residents in the area.

Ms Haigh, who is MP for Sheffield Heeley, said on her visit on Monday (November 25): "We're in Halesowen talking about the impact of Tory cuts to policing and police staff over the last nine years.

"Communities like this have seen a huge rise in violent crime and other types of crime - people being burgled and not receiving any police response at all.

"They are really feeling the consequences of austerity.

"That's why Labour have committed to rebuilding neighbourhood policing putting bobbies back on the beat and in communities so people van have faith that when they call the police they know they will come out."

Ian Cooper said his street had been hit by crime.

He said: "In my own small street we have had break-ins, car thefts, people don't feel safe in their own homes."

He added: "People feel society is increasingly lawless."

But Conservative candidate, James Morris, who has held the seat since 2010, hit back saying: "Labour should account for the fact that their Police and Crime Commissioner wants to close Halesowen Police Station at the same time as buying and renovated his own offices Birmingham city centre.

"Local people can't trust Labour's promises on policing, just like you can't trust them to honour the result of the EU Referendum.

"Conservatives have a plan for 20,000 more police officers.

"I will be fighting for our fair share in Halesowen and Rowley Regis."