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Police station ‘earmarked for closure’
A METROPOLITAN police report has appeared to place Kentish Town station at risk of closure.
The key strategy document was meant to be presented to the Metropolitan Police Authority (MPA) at the end of last month.
But it has emerged the report, which outlined why police think many bases in London are too costly to maintain and sought support to get rid of “antiquated” buildings, was never discussed by the watchdog.
Instead, it was pulled from a public agenda at the last minute and debated behind closed doors.
A copy seen by the New Journal reveals in-depth discussions about plans to leave older stations in favour of new premises and more organised custody suites.
Significantly, the report targets buildings that pre-date 1935, which by definition includes the Kentish Town police base in Holmes Road and the Hampstead police station which officers have already begun clearing out of, amid protests from residents.
The Met Report said it had a stinging maintenance backlog of £160 million across London which could only be reduced by vacating older buildings and using assets to fund new sites.
It said: “With 35 per cent of the estate pre-dating 1935, many buildings are no longer fit for use…Exiting inefficient buildings with poor access and compliancy issues, replacing these buildings with modern flexible accommodation will assist reducing maintenance backlogs and enable capital and revenue funding to be spent effectively.” While couched in management speak, the latter passage has been regarded as integral to a plan to close station such as Kentish Town, one of the oldest buildings.
The report said senior officers had to familiarise themselves with “key messages” and a full media strategy has been drawn up for dealing with queries.
Police chiefs have now been asked to explain once and for all what the future holds for Kentish Town.
Borough Commander Chief Superintendent Mark Heath tried to laugh off the growing speculation at a weekly police press briefing – but did not go further than a guarded “not at the moment” response.
His stance pitches him in conflict with Liberal Democrats, who have been researching the issue for a year and are looking to force a review of police station closures at the London Assembly.
If they are wrong, the Lib Dems run the risk of being accused of scare-mongering as one of their members – Ralph Scott – is seeking election in the Kentish Town by-election.
The party has already unlocked a series of documents under the Freedom of Information Act, including a list of stations under review.
Lib Dem organiser Ed Fordham said: “Most people will be really shocked when they hear about the proposals. It’s not just about the police stations it’s the withdrawal of police officers who are stationed in Hampstead and Kentish Town.” He added: “Kentish Town pre-dates 1935. I have no doubt whatsoever that it is being considered for closure.” |
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