Police station closures will leave Barking and Dagenham ‘open to increased crime’, MP Jon Cruddas warns
Concerns: Jon Cruddas has vowed to fight the proposed closures - Credit: Archant
MP Jon Cruddas warned today that plans to shut police stations could leave Barking and Dagenham open to increased levels of crime.
The Labour MP for Dagenham and Rainham spoke out after the Met unveiled proposals to shut Dagenham, Marks Gate and Barking police stations as part of a £500million cost-cutting drive.
The London borough would be left with the out-of-town £18m police base at Fresh Wharf in Highbridge Road, Barking, and a police annexe at Barking Learning Centre on the Town Square.
Supt Mike Hamer acknowledged there was “genuine concern” about the plans but the Met stressed police numbers would increase from 426 in 2011 to 493 in 2015 in Barking and Dagenham.
However, Mr Cruddas told the Post: “I am extremely concerned about the recent announcements.
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“The closures will leave much of the borough open to increased levels of crime. The only police station in the borough will be at the far end of Barking.
“I will ensure that local residents have their say in this consultation and make sure it is not a simple fait accompli.”
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The public consultation is to include a public meeting and is scheduled to end on March 6.
