South London: Wimbledon, Mitcham Lose Met Police Counters

Key Points

• The Metropolitan Police has confirmed the closure of public front counters at Wimbledon and Mitcham police stations in the London Borough of Merton.
• Residents will lose face-to-face access to police services within the borough, with the nearest 24/7 counters now located at Charing Cross and Lewisham police stations.
• This decision breaches a prior commitment by the Mayor of London that every London borough would retain at least one 24-hour police counter.
• Anthony Fairclough, leader of Merton Liberal Democrats, criticised the cuts, stating that local people have been let down despite a Labour Government, Labour Mayor of London, and Labour Council in Merton.
• Wimbledon MP Paul Kohler highlighted his past legal action in 2018 to stop the closure of Wimbledon Police Station and noted similar efforts by Lib Dem colleagues in neighbouring Richmond Council.
• Merton Liberal Democrats launched a public campaign, including a petition that has attracted thousands of signatures, to keep the stations open.
• The Metropolitan Police confirmed the closures in a letter published on Friday, January 30.
• Some Merton Labour claims that the stations were “saved” have confused residents, as this appears to refer only to a lack of immediate plans to sell the buildings.
• In contrast, Liberal Democrat councillors in neighbouring Richmond are actively fighting to protect their last public-facing police station.

Merton, London (South London News) February 3, 2026 – The Metropolitan Police has confirmed the closure of front counters at Wimbledon and Mitcham police stations, stripping residents of the London Borough of Merton of local face-to-face access to police services. This move leaves the nearest 24/7 counters in Charing Cross and Lewisham, outside the borough. The decision contravenes a pledge by the Mayor of London to maintain at least one such facility per borough.

Why Are Wimbledon and Mitcham Police Front Counters Closing?

The closures eliminate public access to these stations, meaning residents can no longer report crimes or seek assistance in person locally. As per the Metropolitan Police’s confirmation, neither Wimbledon nor Mitcham will retain a public-facing front counter, as detailed in a letter published on Friday, January 30. This affects the entire borough, forcing locals to travel further for direct police contact.

The decision has sparked accusations of broken promises. It breaches a previous commitment by the Mayor of London that every London borough would retain at least one 24-hour police counter. Residents now face reduced accessibility, particularly for urgent matters requiring immediate in-person reporting.

What Has Anthony Fairclough Said About the Closures?

Anthony Fairclough, leader of Merton Liberal Democrats, expressed strong disappointment over the developments. As reported in coverage from London Now, Fairclough stated:

“People have been let down over cuts to local policing. We have a Labour Government, Labour Mayor of London and Labour Council bosses but none have stood up for local people.”

He further emphasised:

“This means residents will lose the ability to report crimes face-to-face, or seek other help at their local police stations.”

Fairclough’s remarks underscore a perceived failure by Labour-led authorities to protect policing resources in Merton. His comments highlight the political tensions surrounding the issue, positioning the closures as a betrayal of local needs.

How Has Wimbledon MP Paul Kohler Responded?

Wimbledon MP Paul Kohler has a history of opposing such cuts. He noted his successful legal action in 2018 to prevent the full closure of Wimbledon Police Station under then-Mayor Sadiq Khan. Kohler remarked:

“In 2018, I used legal action to stop Sadiq Khan closing Wimbledon Police Station. Now, Lib Dem colleagues on Richmond Council are doing the same to protect their last public-facing police station. It’s disappointing that Merton’s Labour Council won’t do the same for our borough.”

Kohler’s statement draws a direct comparison between Merton’s situation and neighbouring Richmond, where Liberal Democrats are mounting a similar defence. This reflects ongoing cross-borough efforts to preserve police infrastructure.

What Is the Merton Liberal Democrats’ Campaign?

In response, Merton Liberal Democrats have launched a public campaign to reverse the closures. Central to this is a petition that has already garnered thousands of signatures, demonstrating significant community support. The campaign aims to pressure authorities into reconsidering the decision and restoring public access.

Despite these efforts, the Metropolitan Police’s letter of January 30 stands firm, confirming no retention of front counters at either site. The petition’s rapid uptake signals widespread resident opposition.

Why Do Residents Feel Confused by Merton Labour’s Claims?

Confusion has arisen from statements by Merton Labour councillors claiming the stations had been “saved.” Residents interpret this as misleading, given that the lack of immediate plans to sell the buildings does not equate to preserving public services. The buildings may remain standing, but without operational front counters, the core function for locals is lost.

This discrepancy has fuelled criticism, with opponents arguing it misrepresents the reality of service cuts. The perception gap highlights communication challenges between the council and public.

How Does This Compare to Neighbouring Richmond?

Neighbouring Richmond upon Thames presents a stark contrast. Liberal Democrat councillors there are actively fighting to protect their last public-facing police station, mirroring Kohler’s past efforts in Merton. While Richmond resists, Merton’s Labour Council has not pursued similar action, amplifying local frustration.

This borough-level difference underscores varying political priorities. Richmond’s stance offers a model that Merton campaigners hope to emulate.

What Are the Broader Implications for Merton Residents?

The closures mean Merton becomes one of the few boroughs without a local public police counter, breaching the Mayor’s borough-wide commitment. Daily impacts include longer travel for crime reporting, vulnerable residents facing barriers to access, and potential delays in police responses to non-emergency needs.

Safety concerns loom large, as face-to-face interactions build trust and enable nuanced support. Campaigners warn of diminished community policing.

When Did the Metropolitan Police Confirm the Closures?

The official confirmation came via a letter from the Metropolitan Police on Friday, January 30. This document explicitly states that neither Wimbledon nor Mitcham will maintain public-facing front counters, quashing hopes tied to the ongoing petition.

The timing, post-petition launch, has intensified backlash, with critics viewing it as dismissive of public input.

Who Bears Responsibility for the Breach of Promise?

The Mayor of London’s prior pledge forms the backdrop to the controversy. While the Metropolitan Police executes the closures, political leaders face scrutiny for failing to enforce the commitment. Fairclough’s critique targets the Labour Government, Mayor, and Merton Council collectively.

No alternative local provision has been announced, leaving a service vacuum.

What Happens Next in the Campaign?

Merton Liberal Democrats continue mobilising, with the petition serving as a key tool. Kohler and Fairclough signal potential further legal or political avenues, inspired by past successes and Richmond’s fight. Public pressure may yet influence outcomes, though police confirmation suggests an uphill battle.

Residents are urged to sign and share the petition, amplifying voices against the cuts.