Following complaints from residents and local businesses, officers from Walsall Council’s Community Safety, Community Protection, Asset Management and Parking Enforcement teams joined police for an on-site inspection at Paddock Lane on 15 July 2025.  

Officers discovered that locks intended to keep the premises secure had been broken. The car park was being used by rough sleepers, with anti-social behaviour, including drug taking, abandoned vehicles, and fly-tipping taking place. 

On 25 July, Walsall Council’s Community Protection Enforcement Officers, supported by St Matthew's Officers and Safer Streets Summer Team, completely cleared the site. This saw needles and waste removed, while abandoned vehicles were recovered. Rough sleepers were engaged with and supported by officers. The site is now completely secure.

The action forms part of the Safer Streets Summer initiative, a national programme targeting crime and anti-social behaviour in town centres and high streets across the UK.

“ This operation shows our commitment to firm and effective enforcement when it’s needed.

“The behaviour taking place at Union Street car park was unacceptable and by working closely with West Midlands Police, we’ve taken decisive action to clear the site, remove hazards, and stop further misuse. We won’t hesitate to act where public spaces are being abused. “

Councillor Adam Hicken, Portfolio Holder for Enforcement and Safe Communities

“ This is a great example of partnership working.

“We had received a number of complaints of anti-social behaviour associated with the car park, which included drug taking and needles which were being discarded on the site.

“Working closely with Walsall Council and other partners, we have addressed the issues surrounding the site. “

Sergeant Alex Backrath, Walsall neighbourhood policing manager

Through the Safer Streets Summer initiative, patrols will continue in Walsall town centre, including high-visibility policing, engagement with businesses and targeted action in problem areas.   

ENDS