The station counter is currently the only place in the borough where people can report a crime in person but has been included on a leaked list of proposed closures, reports James Cracknell

The proposed closure of Edmonton Police Station’s front counter has been slammed by the leader of Enfield Council and the area’s local MP.

Both council leader Ergin Erbil and Edmonton and Winchmore Hill MP Kate Osamor have appealed to the Metropolitan Police, City Hall and the Home Office to save the borough’s only front counter – where residents can walk in and report a crime in person.

While the closure is not confirmed and will be subject to consultation, Osamor revealed on her social media earlier this week that Edmonton was one of the police front counters included on a list of proposed closures leaked to the BBC last week.

When the last wave of station and front counter closures was agreed almost ten years ago, the Met vowed to keep at least one open in each London borough – with 37 remaining in total. But the leaked plans suggest that this is likely to be slashed by almost half, to 19.

The Met – which says “just 5%” of crimes are now reported in person – has not confirmed that Edmonton is one of the front counters proposed for closure, but both Cllr Erbil and Labour MP Osamor have said that this is what they’ve been told.

Osamor said: “I am very disappointed to learn that as part of the Metropolitan Police’s decision to close half its police station front desks that Edmonton Green [sic] Police Station is to see its front desk close.

“This is a very concerning development, which will leave the borough of Enfield without a single police station offering in-person public access. This is not only unacceptable but also breaches the Met’s previous commitment to maintain at least one 24/7 front counter in every London borough.

“I have made urgent representations to Home Secretary Yvette Cooper MP and the Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley, detailing my concerns and my dismay that this decision has come without any consultation.

“I have made it abundantly clear […] that this decision will have a detrimental impact on constituents in Edmonton and Winchmore Hill, and across the borough of Enfield, and that this move risks eroding already fragile public trust in the Met.

“Community safety and public confidence cannot be sacrificed in the name of budget cuts and I have been in discussions with key stakeholders about alternative solutions.”

Cllr Erbil shared similar criticism and said: “I’m concerned about the Met’s plan to close the front desk at Edmonton Green [sic] Police Station. Right now, it’s the only place in Enfield where people can talk to the police face-to-face. I understand the Met are under financial pressure, but closing this could harm public safety and trust.

“Edmonton Green and Upper Edmonton are high-crime areas, which is why the police made them a priority. We’ve worked closely with the police to reduce crime here, and it’s working. But we need police to stay visible and easy to reach to keep that progress going.

“We have seen more police patrolling our streets and we are ready to support the Met to create safer streets. For example, we’re going to work with the Met Police to launch a police hub in Upper Edmonton on the Joyce and Snells estate. In addition to this, our joint summer safety patrols with the police have improved safety.

“We’re fully committed to making our borough safer, especially in Edmonton. I worry that closing the front desk sends the wrong message to the community – just when things are improving. It could also make things harder for other council services, like probation and youth justice.

“I will be writing to the Met Police, our mayor and to our government strongly urging that there’s still some form of in-person service in every borough of London. We’ll keep working with the police and others to make sure our community stays safe and feels supported and listened to.”

A Met spokesperson said: “Just 5% of crimes were reported using front counters last year, with the vast majority of Londoners doing it over the phone, online, or in person with officers elsewhere.

“Given the Met’s budget shortfall and shrinking size, it is no longer sustainable to keep all front counters open.

“That’s why we have taken the tough choice to pursue some closures and a reduction in hours – allowing us to focus resources relentlessly on tackling crime and putting more officers into neighbourhoods across London.”

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