RESIDENTS across the borough are being invited to share their views on plans to change the structure of policing in the West Midlands at a series of meetings.

A consultation event will take place at in the Dudley town centre market place on Saturday February 9 from 9am to 3pm, where residents can have their say on the plans.

If plans are implemented, the powers of the Police and Crime Commissioner work will transfer to the Mayor of the West Midlands Combined Authority.

The Police and Crime Commissioner is currently responsible for strategic leadership of the force by setting the budget and appointing and dismissing the Chief Constable amongst many policing responsibilities.

These powers could be transferred to the Mayor of the West Midlands Combined Authority if plans come to fruition.

All views will be fed back into the regional consultation which runs until March 11 and a report on the views gathered will be submitted to the West Midlands Combined Authority Board on March 22.

Councillor Qadar Zada, leader of Dudley Council council, said: "The scrutiny process is a vital part of how we do business here – making sure people have the opportunity to tell us what they think and acting on that information."