Harlesden Police Station could be saved but axe will fall on Kilburn instead

Kilburn Police Station could be axed instead (Image: Archant)

Saving Harlesden Police Station front counters from closure may mean Kilburn would be axed instead.

According to Cllr Lincoln Beswick, Brent Council’s lead member for crime and community safety, a business case to save the counters at Harlesden Police Station (HPS) has been put to the Mayor of London’s office.

However, if the argument is accepted, the counters at Kilburn Police Station (KPS) in Salusbury Road, Queen’s Park, could be sacrificed instead.

Front counters across London are to be axed as part of a plan to save the Metropolitan Police £500million over three years.

Plans to close HPS, confirmed last month, followed the announcement that Willesden Green Police Station in Walm Lane was to be sold off.

Navin Shah, London Assembly member for Brent and Harrow (Lab), said the counter closure at HPS could be the “thin end of the wedge” and the station could eventually close or be sold.

But Cllr Beswick told the Times the battle to save HPS, in Craven Park, had begun.

He said: “Harlesden is the station where most the operation goes through and where most police action takes place. A case is being made to keep it open and instead have an office base in Kilburn.

“I trust the local police community in delivering the best for residents. The Mayor’s plan is not well thought out and seems to be being done behind desks.

“We need to do what is best for our borough and I believe our local police know what is best.”

The future of KPS is already under scrutiny after a report from the Mayor’s office stated the building “will not meet longer term policing needs and alternative facilities will be required nearby to meet future policing requirements including front counter facilities with appropriate public access”.

Police will recommend an additional contact point is made at Kilburn station.

Brent Police were unavailable for comment.