Delight as police station is to remain open

BY TOBY PORTER
toby@slpmedia.co.uk

Bexleyheath police station will not close as a result of spending reductions being made by the Mayor of London.

Leader of Bexley council, Councillor Teresa O’Neill said: “We made a detailed case why we thought the decision did not make sense for both policing and financial reasons and I would like to thank all the campaigners – including Bexley Neighbourhood Watch and our local MPs – who helped us make sure the views of local people were heard.”

Cllr Gareth Bacon, London Assembly Member for Bexley and Bromley and local councillors, was also involved in the successful campaign and presented a petition signed by almost 8,000 residents at City Hall on October 19.

He said: “This is a great result for Bexley residents. A joint campaign on Parliamentary, council and London Assembly levels has paid off.”

In making its announcement City Hall said that the Met had come to the view that a police station in Bexleyheath is needed to avoid operational risk to the delivery of services.

It also acknowledged the strong views expressed locally about the closure and the impact this would have had on public confidence.