Mounted police unit set to return to Birmingham after 25 years
If approved, the base could be operational by the end of the summer, the force said.Recruitment for a sergeant and constables has already begun."Mounted police are being increasingly used at major sporting events in the region and the site is well located as the police horses would be able to walk from the site into the city centre, rather than being transported from other parts of the country," a report to Birmingham City Council said.The force said the proposals would offer a "cost effective method" of policing football fixtures and public events as well as "significantly enhanced visibility and reassurance".The report added: "West Midlands Police have stated that, from a public order perspective, horses have a unique presence which can impact upon crowd dynamics and reduce the risk to the public."Concerns were raised about noise and odour, but the plans stated waste would be regularly removed from the site and there would be no open manure piles.The plans have been recommended for approval, subject to a legal agreement, and will be considered by a city council planning committee on Thursday.
This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.
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