THE three political parties in Redbridge have united to oppose the possible closure of Wanstead and Woodford police station front counters.

The Metropolitan police announced two weeks ago they are considering the closure of Wanstead and Woodford front counters to the public by April 2013, as part of a wider plan to save £500m from the budget by 2015.

In a joint statement cllr Keith Prince, leader of the council, and cllr Shoaib Patel, cabinet member for community safety, planning and enforcement, said: "The safety of our residents is absolutely paramount and the council will not sit idly by while there is the possibility of the police reducing access to residents.

"There are numerous problems with these proposals; not least the statistics that the police have chosen to support this possible action.  The data is more than two years old and it is unclear how some conclusions were arrived at.  Indeed the data even shows that, by their own criteria, the police should not be considering closing the front counter at Woodford, at least during the week.

"We have asked for clarification on this and a range of other matters, and have made it clear that we are against any closures."