Confirmation that Wanstead and Woodford police stations are earmarked for closure has caused sadness and confusion.

City Hall last week released its draft Police and Crime Plan, which outlined proposals to save £500million by 2015.
 

It confirmed campaigners worst fears that front counters in the west of the borough will be shutdown.
 

The document also outlines plans to increase the number of safer neighbourhood officers in the borough from 61 to 129 by 2015 and bring the total number of officers based in the borough up to 530 from 444.
 

Helen Zammett is a member of the Wanstead and Snaresbrook Residents' Alliance (WASRA), which formed to fight the proposed closure of Wanstead police station in Spratt Hall Road.
 

And she said she was confused by the draft plans.
 

Mrs Zammett added: "I was given the impression that this report was about the future of policing in London, but it appears to me that this is actually about front counters.
 

"Maybe they only have to consult the public on the parts they have access to, which is why they haven't mentioned police station closures, only front counter closures.
 

"It would be very sad to lose the front desk, but what WASRA wants is a permanent police presence and a rapid response car parked in Wanstead.
 

"We will be furious if we lose the police station completely."
Lori Shearer, of the Monkhams ward neighbourhood watch, said: "This is a sad day for Woodford.
 

"I think this news is heartbreaking. There are so many good things that the local police do for our community and we will be sad to see them go."
 

Council leader Keith Prince said he was saddened by the news and confirmed the council will continue to lobby for a base in the west of the borough.
 

He added: "I can also assure residents that I will work closely with our borough commander to try to ensure we keep a police presence in Woodford and Wanstead, irrespective of any final decision."
 

The public will have their chance to have their say on the proposals at a meeting in Redbridge Town Hall on February 11, from 8pm.
 

It will be attended by the Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, Stephen Greenhalgh.