Harrow Council opposes Mayor's plan to close police front desk

Harrow Council has formally opposed the Mayor of London's plan to close the front desk at Harrow Police Station, the only one remaining in the borough.

The motion, moved by Councillor Paul Osborne, Leader of the Council, and seconded by Councillor Marilyn Ashton, Deputy Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Planning & Regeneration, was carried at a full council meeting on Thursday, 18 September 2025, with 27 votes in favour and 15 abstentions.

The closure, which is part of a wider plan to close 17 police front desk stations across London, has been met with strong criticism from Harrow councillors, who argue that it will diminish accessibility to police services and make residents feel less safe.

Councillor Osborne expressed his disappointment at the Mayor's decision, particularly as the council is planning to reopen a face-to-face contact point in Harrow. He noted the lack of consultation with the council, stating that the decision was announced with no discussion in advance.

Councillor Marilyn Ashton echoed these concerns, stating that closing the only front office would give an impression of being neglected and increase anxiety among residents.

Councillor Pritesh Patel, Portfolio Holder for Cleaner Streets & Public Safety, called the closure particularly concerning and worrying due to the lack of consultation. He also highlighted the inconvenience it would cause to elderly and vulnerable residents who may not be able to report crimes online.

However, Councillor Peymana Assad opposed the motion, blaming Conservative failure and a decade of cuts that have hollowed out our police.

Councillor Thaya Idaikkadar emphasised the importance of face-to-face interaction for victims of traumatic events, stating that talking to a real human being face to face can be the difference between silence and justice.

Councillor Matthew Goodwin-Freeman criticised the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, for choosing to close 17 police front desk stations in our capital to save just 7 million pounds.

Councillor Govind Bharadia said that the closure of Harrow's front desk is a real kick in the teeth for our residents especially the elderly and vulnerable who may lack the required technical skills to report crime online.

The motion also called on Gareth Thomas MP to put pressure on the Mayor of London and Home Secretary to reverse the cuts to policing and properly fund police services in Harrow, and commended Bob Blackman MP for his campaign and petition to save Harrow Police Station's front desk.