Campaign to save local police stations blocked

Local people have been left shocked by the refusal of Labour Council bosses to commit to saving local police stations.

Councillors were debating work to “promote a dynamic, connected and inclusive community and economy with safe, vibrant high streets” and Liberal Democrats noted the role of community policing in building an inclusive community and called on  Council leaders to commit to running an active campaign against any further attempts to close police stations in Merton.

This is in the light of Mayor of London’s closure of 44 police stations since 2016 and his recently published Police & Crime Plan, which commits to the disposal of further Metropolitan Police premises.

In addition, responding to a written question from a Lib Dem councillor submitted to the meeting, the Labour councillor in charge of community safety failed to confirm exactly how many times she’s met with senior police officers to discuss local concerns.

Speaking after the meeting, Cllr Paul Kohler said:

"Merton is one of the safest boroughs in London - and the only one to retain two fully functioning police stations. But their long-term future is not secure - and yet Merton's Council bosses are complacent and won't commit to fighting to save our local police stations. Having a police station in the heart of the community means police are more visible - key in building trust - and get to incidents far more quickly."

The Mayor’s plan was published in April and reiterated his intention to further reduce the number of police stations in London, and despite representations from Merton Liberal Democrats, makes no commitment to retain Wimbledon police station in the long term.

The station was saved from a planned closure in 2018 by local Liberal Democrat councillor and parliamentary candidate Paul Kohler, who successfully took the Mayor to court to challenge the decision.

Earlier this year, Cllr Kohler and the Merton Liberal Democrat group made a detailed submission to the consultation on the new plan emphasising the importance of retaining Wimbledon police station.

Unlike the Liberal Democrats, neither Wimbledon’s Conservative MP, Stephen Hammond, nor any other representative of the local Conservative or Labour parties, made a submission to the consultation on behalf of Wimbledon.