Both of Merton’s police stations are closing to the public.

Residents across Merton are set to lose public access to both of their police stations.

The Metropolitan Police has confirmed that front counters at Wimbledon and Mitcham police stations will close on Saturday, the 28th of February.

In a letter, the Met confirmed that neither station will retain a public-facing front counter.

The move directly contradicts London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan’s promise that every London borough would retain at least one 24-hour police counter.

As a result, Merton residents needing face-to-face access to the police will now be forced to travel outside the borough, with the nearest 24/7 police counters in Charing Cross and Lewisham.

Wimbledon MP Paul Kohler said:

“In 2018, I used legal action to stop Sadiq Khan closing Wimbledon Police Station.

Now, Lib Dem colleagues on Richmond Council are doing the same to protect their last public-facing police station.

It’s disappointing that Merton’s Labour Council won’t do the same for our borough.”

Radio Jackie has contacted the Mayor’s office and Merton Council for comment.