In July, the Labour Government announced plans to close the front desk at Chingford Police Station.
This decision was as a result of a Police Funding Settlement and Mayoral budget.
This budget resulted in a £260 million shortfall that has forced the proposed closure of approximately half of London’s police station front counters, one of which is Chingford’s.
The decision has rightly caused significant concern in our local community, particularly for the most vulnerable and elderly residents who don’t have reliable access to online or remote services.
Chingford Police Station is the only operational station in Waltham Forest, serving approximately 278,400 people, while also supporting residents in Woodford, the other side of my constituency.
If the front desk should close, the nearest accessible station would be in Stratford, over an hour away by public transport, creating a serious barrier to vital policing services.
Since the announcement, I have raised these concerns directly with the Borough Commander and Sir Mark Rowley, the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police.
I’ve emphasised the importance of maintaining face-to-face policing and urged the Met to consider alternatives, such as virtual access points, while also maintaining local officer numbers and visibility.
Together with local Conservative councillors, I launched a petition opposing the closure, which has now received over 2,500 signatures, demonstrating widespread community opposition.
At a recent police-led public engagement session, I joined residents in voicing concern over the loss of in-person policing and the long-term future of the Chingford station.
In Woodford, the front desk was closed before the entire station was sold in 2020 - we cannot let this situation repeat itself in Chingford.
It also became clear that this proposal appears to have been made without any data on the public usage of the Chingford front desk.
This is the wrong decision at the wrong time.
Last year alone, around 50,000 crimes were reported in person at police stations across London.
Front counters are more than a reporting service; they are vital for victims - they provide a place of safety.
I remain fully committed to opposing the closure of the front desk at Chingford Police Station, and I will continue to work with residents, councillors, and local police to ensure our area retains the accessible policing it needs and deserves.
- Iain Duncan Smith is the Conservative MP for Chingford and Woodford Green.
