Brent’s top cop admits Willesden Green police station is facing the axe
Chief Superintendent Matthew Gardner rather have officers on the beat than stuck behind a counter
Brent’s top police officer has admitted he is looking to close Willesden Green police station.
Speaking at a meeting in Brent Town Hall last night (Thursday), Chief Superintendent Matthew Gardner said he would rather see officers on the street than stuck in an office.
He said: “There are currently three officers behind the front counter at Willesden police station which I am looking at closing.
“Do I have officers behind a desk and not doing anything?
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“As soon as you start taking away libraries and closing up police counters people get angry but we can’t continue to deliver these services.
“We need them to listen and to understand. It is going to be difficult.”
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Brent police have been reviewing all their property estate to ensure they are making the best use of it. Savings will be reinvested into operational policing.
According to police, the station in High Road, Willesden, is under-used and more costly to run because of its size.
Cllr Zaffar Van Kalwala, who chaired the meeting, said: “These cuts mean Brent Police have to do a difficult job under even more difficult circumstances. The government is taking a huge gamble with our safety by cutting the police budget by 20 per cent.
“The cuts go too far too fast and are already having a damaging impact on policing in Brent. We need to prioritise policing by keeping bobbies on the beat and protecting the public.”
What do you think? Should Willesden Green police station close? Email tara.brady@archant.co.uk or call 020 7433 6241.
