SERIOUS concerns have been raised that public safety could be jeopardised if officers are moved out of the police station in Woodford Green and relocated to Barkingside.

Dozens of people protested outside the station in High Road, Woodford Green, on Friday, with MPs, residents and former police officers warning that following last week’s London-wide riots, it is more important than ever to maintain a police presence on our streets.

Under plans due to come into effect next month, police Safer Neighbourhood Teams (SNTs) will be moved to Barkingside, with officers cycling to the area only as and when required.

Retired policeman and Woodford Amenity Group member Geoff Stimpson, 77, said: “It’s even more vital than ever after the last week to safeguard this place.

“We have got to have a police presence here. It’s unimaginable that we could lose it.”

Woodford Green MP Iain Duncan Smith said he, along with local ward councillors, was concerned that moving the SNTs could lead to the eventual closure of the police station altogether.

He said he would be meeting Redbridge borough commander, Detective Chief Superintendent Sue Williams, to seek assurances the base would not be sold off.

He said: “One thing we have learnt over the last few days is that you need to have your police well dispersed amongst the community, so they are actually out on the streets.

“They won’t be on the streets if you move them to Barkingside.”

And while residents at the demonstration were keen to express their admiration for the police, there was anger over the Barkingside move.

Mother-of-five Lori Shearer has lived in Woodside Road for 35 years.

The retired 64-year-old said the recent disorder should be enough to convince the authorities that the station must be kept open.

She said: “I’m very concerned to hear that our SNTs will be moving to Barkingside.

“They walk the beat and know the people and the issues which affect this area.

“It simply will not feel safe without them here.”