LEYTON Police Station is set to close next week as the police look to cut costs.

The building in Francis Road will shut down on Monday and front-counter services will be relocated to the custody centre in Boreham Close, Leytonstone.

The Met claims the station, which was built in 1932, is under-occupied, in poor condition and costly to run.

Grove Green and Leyton safer neighbourhood teams, which are stationed at the station, will be relocated elsewhere, with addresses to be confirmed.

Front counter services transferred to the custody centre will be available to the public between 7am and 3am, the same hours currently offered at Leyton station.

The news comes after Walthamstow Police Station was put up for sale last month after the Met said it could not afford to repair fire damage.

A spokeswoman said: "Front counters open to the public, round the clock or for set hours, are very important but are only one way for members of the public to contact police.

"It is recognised that some people prefer to talk face-to-face and this can be done by arranging an appointment or inviting people to attend an advertised local police surgery.

"The Met is also looking at ways of maintaining and enhancing service delivery through a wider range of public access channels, for example online and telephone reporting to ensure we continue to meet the needs of the local community."

She said the station has not been put up for sale yet.

The station closures are part of a Met review of all its property.

 

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