Richmond Council has initiated legal proceedings against the Metropolitan Police and the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC).
This follows the decision to shut down the public front counter at Twickenham Police Station, which would make Richmond one of only five London boroughs without a police counter.
Councillor Gareth Roberts said: “This decision is deeply concerning, a risk to accessibility, trust and public safety.
“Despite previous assurances from the Met and MOPAC that every borough would retain at least one 24/7 front counter, this decision has been taken without consultation, without a clear evidence base, and without consideration for those residents who rely on in-person contact.
“We have initiated legal proceedings to ensure that decisions of this scale are taken lawfully, transparently, and with proper regard for the communities they affect.”
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police Service said the force is “aware” of the planned legal action and will continue to “work closely with all partners” throughout the process.
They added: “We are aware of planned legal action regarding the proposed closure of the front counter in Twickenham.
“We will continue to work closely with all partners throughout this process.”
In Richmond Council’s pre-action protocol letter addressed to the Met Police and MOPAC, the council outlined several points of concern.
These include: Failure to consult residents, the Council or local stakeholders; Lack of evidence demonstrating that closure is justified or that alternatives were explored; Departure from previous commitments to maintain one front counter per borough; Insufficient consideration of the impact on vulnerable residents requiring face-to-face support.
Councillor Roberts added: “Trust in policing is already fragile.
“Removing the last physical point of contact from an entire borough sends entirely the wrong message to residents who simply want to feel safe and know the police are accessible.
“Our call is not about resisting change; it is about ensuring that changes are made properly and with residents’ needs at the centre.”
In October 2025, The Metropolitan Police Service it will keep 27 front counters open across the capital, after listening to feedback from Londoners.
Two front counters will remain open 24 hours a day at the busiest sites – Charing Cross and Lewisham – while a further 25 will be geographically spread across London and operate Monday to Friday, 10am until 10pm, and 9am until 7pm at weekends.
Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist said: “The Met is having to shrink to live within its means and as the public would expect, we are targeting our resources on a narrower set of their priorities to make London safer.
“Londoners tell us they want more visible and responsive policing on the capital’s streets and that is exactly what we are going to deliver.
“But we have also listened to their views during an extensive engagement process and, while our funding gap means we must reduce provision, we will keep more front counters open across London.”
According to police, the changes to front counter provision reflect the rapidly changing nature of crime reporting with 95 per cent of reports made by the public online, over the phone, or directly with officers.
These changes are said to free up over 2,900 hours of police officer time per month.
The decisions on front counters have been made carefully based on public and operational demand, geography and feedback through a public engagement process in every area of London.
