The Metropolitan Police could face legal action as Harrow Council has vowed to fight the decision to close the front counter at Pinner Police Station.
The planned closure has been met with uproar from residents as well as from the Leader of Harrow Council, councillor Paul Osborn, who says he is “deeply alarmed” by the decision.
He claims the council was not consulted on the plans and has now said they will be taking legal advice “to see if there is anything we can do to stop the planned closure”.
Cllr Osborn said: “These counters are lifelines for residents; they offer immediate help, build trust, and provide safety to people at risk or in crisis. Their removal threatens the very principle of accessible policing. The safety of our residents must never be compromised for short-term savings.”
David Simmonds CBE, MP for Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner, has launched a petition in opposition to the closure.
He said: “I am standing up for local people and the Pinner Police Station volunteers in calling for this vital station to be saved.
“Please take a moment to show your support and sign the petition. Together we can send a clear message that Pinner Police Station must stay open.”
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said: “Just five per cent of crimes were reported using front counters last year, with only one per cent of these being made during the night.
“The decision to reduce and close some front counters will save £7million and 3,752 hours of police officer time per month, allowing us to focus resources on tackling crime and putting more officers into neighbourhoods.”
View the petition at www.davidsimmonds.org.uk/campaigns/police-front-counter-closures-save-pinner-police-station
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