Assembly Member challenges Boris Johnson over policing cut plans (From Harrow Times)

London Assembly Member for Brent and Harrow, Navin Shah, challenges Boris Johnson over policing cut plans

10:40am Thursday 17th January 2013 in News By Emma Innes

The London Assembly Member for Brent and Harrow has challenged Boris Johnson over his plans to cut policing in Harrow.

Yesterday, Navin Shah AM questioned the Mayor of London and the Metropolitan Police Commissioner about cuts to front line policing.

In a question and answer session at City Hall, Mr Shah questioned the two on plans in the Mayor's draft police and crime plan to close Pinner police station and the police counter at the Civic Centre.

He also quizzed them about what he describes as the “sham” policing consultations held by deputy mayor for policing Stephen Greenhalgh.

The question and answer session came at a time when the full extent of cuts to London’s emergency services is becoming clear.

In the past week Mr Johnson has confirmed which police and fire stations will close.

Mr Shah said: “Yesterday I challenged Boris on his planned cuts to the policing and questioned him on how many wards will have a sergeant.

“He is cutting too far, too fast and is hitting the front line. On top of this he is stripping back our local Safer Neighbourhood Police Teams. This will mean fewer locally based police officers and PCSOs across London.

“This looks like a return to ‘sector’ policing which was abandoned as it was ineffective.

"We already know that Harrow has lost 55 police officers from May 2010 to November 2012, but the Mayor’s plan confirms that the majority of London’s boroughs will have fewer police officers by 2015 than they did in 2010.

“All this is happening at a time when the London Fire Brigade and our hospital accident and emergency departments are also being cut back.”