Three weeks left to debate mayor's police plan (From Enfield Independent)

Three weeks left to debate Mayor of London Boris Johnson's four-year Police and Crime Plan for Enfield

3:29pm Thursday 14th February 2013 in News By Hermione Wright

Time is running out for people to have their say on planned police station closures in Enfield.

The Mayor of London’s draft Police and Crime Plan, released last month, maps mayor Boris Johnson's plans for policing in the capital over the next four years.

In a bid to put "bobbies before buildings", it includes proposals to close Winchmore Hill Police Station in Green Lanes and Southgate Police Station in Chase Side.

People have until March 6 to have their say about the mayor's plans, either online or at town hall meetings hosted in every borough.

The deputy mayor for policing and crime, Steven Greenhalgh, will also host a London-wide consultation meeting at City Hall on Thursday February 28.

Under current plans, Enfield Police Station in Baker Street would open during the day, but Edmonton Police Station in Fore Street would become the only police station in the borough open 24 hours a day.

With revenue from selling buildings, the mayor intends to employ 609 police officers in Enfield by 2015 – 14 more than patrolled the borough in 2010.

Despite claims the cuts are too hard and too fast, the mayor has defended the plans and says putting more officers on the street is key to driving down crime and boosting public confidence in the police.

Mr Greenhalgh said: "Policing in London is changing and we want to hear your views.

“As we’ve travelled across the capital we’ve had some really valuable discussions and with just three weeks left to go I’d urge anyone with an interest in policing in Enfield to get involved.

“These views will help shape the final plan which aims to make a real difference to the future of policing in London. “

To comment on the mayor’s plans, click here.