Legal action over police front counter closure

Harrow Council plans to launch legal proceedings against the Mayor of London and the Metropolitan Police regarding the closure of police front counters, including the last at Pinner Police Station. Council leader Paul Osborn condemned the cuts as "short-sighted," arguing they strip residents of essential in-person access to policing services. The Met Police justified the closures, stating that front counters do not significantly contribute to public safety, preferring to invest in more officers for neighborhood patrols. Sir Sadiq Khan, who previously promised at least one 24-hour front counter in each borough, now supports the closures based on consultation data. Osborn announced the council's intent to issue a pre-action letter, emphasizing the importance of direct police support for the community.

The Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime acknowledged receipt of the letter and stated they would respond accordingly. Both Conservative and Labour groups in Harrow have also started petitions urging the Met to reverse its decision. This move highlights growing concerns about accessibility to policing resources in the borough.