Wandsworth Liberal Democrats have expressed strong concern at the Metropolitan Police’s decision to close nearly half of London’s public-facing police front counters, dropping from 37 to just 19, with only 8 staying open 24/7.
Under the plan, the Lavender Hill station front counter in Battersea will be closed. This means residents in our borough will not be able to report crimes face-to-face or seek help at their local police station. The nearest 24/7 access points for affected residents will now be in Kingston, Sutton, or Lambeth.
With previous policing cuts undermining the vital link between police and the public across Wandsworth, this announcement is another blow.
The Met cites financial pressures, a £260m shortfall for officers next year and £1.7bn in unmet estate investment needs, as the reason for its "rationalisation" strategy. However, it admits this move breaks its own public commitment to maintain at least one public 24 hr counter per borough.
Every week, Wandsworth Liberal Democrats hear from residents who are deeply concerned about crime – from anti-social behaviour and car break-ins, to bicycle theft and burglaries.
Local people agree with the Lib Dems that policing needs to be visible, local and available when residents need them most.
That’s why we are calling on the Labour government to fund the Metropolitan Police in full, and the London Mayor to keep our Lavender Hill counter open.
Sign the petition
Save Lavender Hill front counter
The Met Police plans to close the Lavender Hill front counter in Battersea — forcing residents to travel outside Wandsworth for face-to-face support. This breaks a public promise to keep at least one 24/7 counter in every borough. We call on the government to fund the Met properly, and the Mayor of London to keep Lavender Hill open.