"If the number of front desks is reduced from 37 to 19, it will break Scotland Yard's pledge to have one accessible 24 hours a day in each of the capital's 32 boroughs. In a desperate attempt to balance a 260 million budget shortfall, leaked plans show only eight front desk will remain open 24/7, and there will also be reduced hours at 11 with them closing at 10pm weekdays and 7pm weekends."
"Many of the police stations would remain in use for officers and police staff but the public would not be able to report crimes or concerns face-to-face. Those at risk include Chingford, Edmonton, Kentish Town, Kensington, Tottenham, Twickenham, Lavender Hill and Wimbledon. Ms Wilson said the axing of Twickenham would leave the entire borough of Richmond without a single public access point for local police meaning the closest open 24 hours will be Acton, Sutton or Lambeth."
Planned cuts would reduce police front desks from 37 to 19, ending the pledge of a 24-hour desk in each of the capital's 32 boroughs. Only eight desks would remain open 24/7 and 11 would have reduced hours, closing at 10pm on weekdays and 7pm at weekends. Many stations would still be used by officers and staff, but the public would lose face-to-face reporting facilities. Stations at risk include Chingford, Edmonton, Kentish Town, Kensington, Tottenham, Twickenham, Lavender Hill and Wimbledon. Closure of Twickenham would leave Richmond without any public access point. Critics warn bail reporting will require travel and increase absconding risk. The Liberal Democrats propose police desks in public hubs to restore visible community policing.
Read at www.standard.co.uk
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