ORPINGTON MP John Horam will speak on the "appalling" decision to close police stations in a House of Commons debate on policing tomorrow.

His comments come after Ch Supt Gerry Howlett said if the new Bromley police station is given the go-ahead there would only be a need for three stations in the borough.

This means as early as 2002, the only police stations in the area could be in Orpington, Bromley and Penge.

Chislehurst and Biggin Hill police stations are on the chopping block in this year's budget.

Beckenham and St Mary Cray stations' future depend on approval for the new Bromley station.

Mr Horam said: "I have had a lot of complaints about young people drinking and causing a nuisance in Biggin Hill. That's the sort of thing you need an active police presence to deal with.

"It is precisely the same issue as we had at St Mary Cray. It means a lesser police presence and what we need is a greater presence.

"It's appalling that stations will close and none of the savings will be going back into our area for more police on the streets.

"I have written to the Home Secretary Jack Straw about it and am asking him to reverse the decision."

The News Shopper ran a campaign with Mr Horam's backing to keep the St Mary Cray police station open seven years ago.

MP for Bromley and Chislehurst Eric Forth said: "There has been a feeling of inevitability about the closure of the Chislehurst police station. I just hope we can salvage something and ensure a visible presence."

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