Call For Extra Police In Wimbledon Town Centre

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Proposals for Safer Town Centre patrol unit

Merton Tories are proposing to pay for extra police officers in Wimbledon town centre if they take control of Merton Council in May.

They announced their plans after Stephen Greenhalgh, London's Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, came to Merton to listen to views on local policing.

The Tories point out that around 7% of all crime committed in Merton takes place within a 200m area around Wimbledon Broadway.

If they win the local election, they say they will set up a Safer Town Centre patrol unit for Wimbledon by finding funds to take advantage of the Mayor of London's match-funding promise for extra officers.

Local Conservatives do not think the current division of police teams by council ward works for the town centre. It is covered by four wards - Dundonald, Trinity, Hillside and Abbey.

Councillor David Simpson, Conservative Safety and Enforcement spokesman, said: "Our local police do an excellent job keeping the community safe, but they can always do with a helping hand.

"We will work with the local police to set up a dedicated Safer Town Centre patrol unit for Wimbledon by making use the the ability to purchase extra police officers."

The Conservatives are putting forward a motion at the council meeting on Tuesday January 28 to get their proposals started.

January 23, 2014