Following the news of police front counters the following statement has been issued by the leader.
Cllr Paul Osborn, Leader of the London Borough of Harrow said:
I am deeply alarmed by the Metropolitan Police’s decision to close all Police front counters in Harrow. We were never consulted on the original decision to close South Harrow which is why we passed a motion in September to oppose these plans. We are now hearing for the first time the Pinner Police Station front counter which is run by volunteers is also now on the list of planned closures.
This move strips our borough of vital, in-person access to policing – leaving residents without direct access to support, advice or protection. It’s unacceptable and undermines our vision for a borough that is clean and safe, and a place where those in need are supported.
While the financial pressures facing the police are real, 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. We will be taking legal advice to see if there is anything we can do to stop the planned closure of South Harrow and Pinner front counters. I will also call for a solution that keeps our community safe and connected to the support they deserve.