Petition submitted to Metropolitan Police

3.30.08am UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 31st Jan 2006

This all started as a whisper - Hampstead Police Station had been faced with service reductions in 2001 and it had been fought and resisted then - surely this wasn't going to happen again? You can imagine the disappointment to find then that in response to a question to the Borough Commander in October it was confirmed that he was drawing up plans that included the disposal of Hampstead Police Station.

Why is Hampstead Police Station so different? Well the simple truth is it isn't. It's at the junction of Rosslyn Hill and Downshire Hill at the foot of Hampstead High Street. This Station serves the wider community of Hampstead, Belsize, South End Green, Frognal and Fitzjohn's - a population of some 24,000. It is one of the most impressive and dominating buildings in the local area and yes it was built in 1913 and yes it is listed.

But this station has other factors about it - it commands the respect and the confidence of the local community - in the face of reports and problems in many aspects of policing within London Hampstead Police Station stands confident and proud, a totemic symbol to that local community of local policing.

And we are realistic - as members of the Safer Neighbourhood Panels, members of the Sector Working Groups and of the many residents groups and associations - we are desperate to work with the police to find ways forward that give us good and modern facilities - but within our current station.

These are in stark contrast to two key developments:

the first was the revelations we received in response to a Freedom of Information request to the MPA which confirmed that indeed since at least August 5th at least there have been secret plans to close Hampstead and indeed other stations in Camden

the second was the assertion by Richard Sumray, speaking on behalf of the MPA last night at our CPCG, and I quote him precisely "The age of the local police station is over".

I can confidently say that that has been greeted with total dismay and he may have said what has been feared by many of us - but the fact remains this comments was thrown at us last night at a heated public meeting and frankly it will not assist with the debate.

We well understand the issue of estates, investment, property values - but in addition we understand, or rather we thought we understood the commitment of the Metropolitan Police to local policing and genuine, open and sincere working with the community.

Our Freedom of Information request - delivered after 93 days rather than the statutory 20 days - has revealed a sustained and ongoing plan to dispose of Hampstead police Station. I quote from some of the emails from your own staff:

5th August "The aim is to achieve at minimum cost and maximum capital benefit to the met and in the shortest timescale."

"There is considerable unused space at Hampstead and it would be good to ensure that this does not become occupied so that options for disposal remain uncomplicated.

"Since we seem to be moving to the "next level" on this one it's quite urgent that I receive the business case setting out why you wish us to dispose of Hampstead Police Station.

5th September "It was agreed that the disposal of Hampstead should provide an adequate funding stream for 24/7 station and other accommodation initiatives.

18th October "We'll continue to move things forward (quietly!) in respect of Hampstead Police Station.

5th November "It is important that you undertake the search without disclosing the name of the prospective tenant because there is a "Save our Hampstead Police Station" campaign which means we need to be sensitive."

So you can see why the assertion that we were scaremongering has been revealed as a sham.

We have brought this petition of 2,433 signatures here today in the hope that the whole Council can be aware of our case and that there can be a genuine dialogue about the future of Policing in our area and in particular of our station.

This is having one effect and one effect only - it is fundamentally undermining the confidence of local residents of policing in Camden., Residents are refusing to serve on Safer Neighbourhood Panels, resignations are starting to occur and the very future relationship of the Met Police with our community is at stake. What may have started as a concern over the bricks and mortar has become a fundamental clash between the community's desire to assist with the fight against crime and stubborn doggedness of the Police to press ahead with secret negotiations and plans that places all of that at risk.

We appeal for your assistance in moving this matter forward in a way that is transparent and sincere.

"We the undersigned, oppose any plans to reduce the level of policing located and based in Hampstead. We call for the continued use and refurbishment of Hampstead Police Station and reject plans to close or scale down the current station."

I submit our petition.