THE axe is hanging over Wealdstone Police Station sparking fears for policing in the area.

The Metropolitan Police Authority (MPA) has made an “in principle” decision to sell the listed building in High Street, Wealdstone, the Harrow Times can reveal.

The police station is not currently open to the public but the Wealdstone Anti-Social Behaviour Partnership (WASP) Team is based there and would need to relocate, as would a team of volunteers.

Gareth Thomas, MP for Harrow West, said: “I'm shocked by the possible decision to close Wealdstone police office, a whole series of vital policing teams are based at the police station.

“Closing Wealdstone Police station will mean that those officers will have to be based further away and that will inevitably make the police less visible.”

This is not the first time the station has come under threat, in 2003 a 200 signature petition was prepared in a bid to save it.

Then in 2008 the issue arose again 100 years after it was first built under police plans to redevelop its estate, which were ultimately scrapped.

It is noted for its Free Tudor style and distinctive features, including a Mansard Westmoreland slate roof and elaborate keystones carved into the archway at the entrance.

Councillor Susan Hall, leader of the Tory Group on Harrow Council, said: “I'm a passionate supporter of police and I think Harrow Police have done an extremely good job.

“Therefore I'm mortified to hear of the proposals to close Wealdstone Police Station.

“Given that Wealdstone is one of the areas of most concern in the borough it's essential that we have accommodation for our officers in that area.”

Carolyn Freeman, a spokesman for the Met, said: “The Metropolitan Police Service is reviewing the whole of the property estate to ensure we are making best use of it and identifying efficiency savings that can be reinvested into operational policing.

“As part of this the Metropolitan Police Authority has agreed the sale, in principle, of Wealdstone Police Station (the front counter services moved a year ago and the building no longer has public access).

“However there has been no final agreement for the sale at this point and there will be local engagement before any final decision is made.”