The mayor of London has apologised to residents of Waltham Forest over lack of communication as a police station is set to close.

Plans to shut the last hub for officers in Leytonstone were first discussed with the public in mid-September causing anger in the community.

Residents were concerned with the length of time it will take police to get to the area and police presence.

Despite their concerns it was closed today.

Waltham House in Kirkdale Road is the only police station in Leytonstone.

The closure was brought up at Mayor’s Question Time yesterday when Boris Johnson was questioned over why the community was not consulted.

He apologised 'if there was an oversight' in communication.

Then, when pressed to give an answer about plans to cut Contact Points around London, did not give an answer.

Labour London Assembly Member Jennette Arnold said the apology is not enough.

She said: “When it comes to the proposed plans to close Waltham House Police Station, the Mayor’s apology for failing to communicate with local residents and representatives is flimsy, unacceptable and too little too late.

“I am deeply concerned that this conditional apology not only suggests that he wasn’t aware of the situation at Waltham House, but also fails to grasp the seriousness of the situation.

“The Mayor has agreed to write to me formally with an explanation and to outline his plans for Waltham House, and I look forward to receiving this as soon as possible so that people’s minds can be put at rest.”

Police said at a meeting last night it could take officers up to 45 minutes to get to Leytonstone from the custody centre in Leyton.