
I am deeply disappointed by today’s announcement by the Metropolitan Police to proceed with the closure of Chingford Police Station’s front desk. This makes it one of only five stations across London still set to close, while 27 front desks will remain open with extended hours. Only Lewisham and Charing Cross will continue to operate on a 24-hour basis.
This decision is particularly concerning as Chingford Police Station is reported to have a higher average of reported crimes than a number of the stations chosen to remain open. This raises legitimate concerns about the criteria used in determining which stations would retain their operational front desk services.
In my recent letter to the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, Sir Mark Rowley, I made it clear that Chingford Police Station serves not just local residents in Chingford, but also residents across the London Borough of Waltham Forest and Woodford. I also made it clear that Chingford and Woodford Green has a disproportionately high elderly population compared to other areas of London. The closure of the front desk will significantly affect accessibility to policing services for our elderly and most vulnerable residents, many of whom rely on face-to-face policing services and are unable to use the Met’s digital or phone-based alternatives.
At a public engagement meeting held in September, residents and I voiced strong opposition to the proposed closure. The decision to close the front desk has also caused real concern about the impact on public confidence in policing across Chingford. It is disappointing that these significant concerns appear to have been disregarded.
I urge the Metropolitan Police to reconsider this decision in the interest of public confidence in policing, public safety and fairness.