Public Meeting Over Wimbledon Police Station Closure Threats

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Queens Road station could be sold-off to help save Met Police funds

A public meeting is to be held over potential plans to close and sell-off Wimbledon police station.

The Queens Road building (right) is recommended for closure in a new report listing police stations across London which are underused or no longer needed.

The plans, which are open to consultation until October 6, are part of an asset disposal programme that is expected to bring in £170m.

The front counter service now offered on a 24/7 basis in Wimbledon would only be available locally at Mitcham, which is currently a daytime facility.

The controversial plans will be discussed at a public meeting at Wimbledon Chase primary school from 6.30pm on September 26.

Merton Police have issued an open invitation to the meeting, adding that the hall has a capacity for 200 people and there's parking on a 'first come, first served basis'.

The closure plans have been included in the "Public Access and Engagement Strategy" report jointly produced by the Mayor of London's office and the Met, which states funding for policing in London has been dropping steadily over a prolonged period of the report with over £600m already cut from the Metropolitan Police’s budget. A further £400m needs to be identified, it says.

According to the report, an average of 0.7 crimes a day were reported at the front counter of Mitcham police station during May. Wimbledon had 2.6 crimes a day reported over the same time frame.

Anyone wishing to respond to consultation should do so by visiting www.London.gov.uk/public-access or emailing consultation@mopac.london.gov.uk

Responses will be received until 5.30pm on 6 October 2017.

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September 4, 2017