London borough loses High Court bid against police front counter closure

The Metropolitan Police shuttered the front counter at Twickenham Police Station in February, citing a 60% drop in reports made at front counters since 2012.

It also said that some of the quieter locations saw fewer than three reports a day, and that, overnight, only one in every 2,000 crimes is reported at a front counter.

Richmond sent a pre-action protocol letter to the police force and the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime in December, arguing that the decision was undermined by a lack of consultation, insufficient evidence, and concerns about accessibility.

Commenting at the time, the council's leader, Gareth Roberts, claimed there had been assurances that every borough would retain at least one 24/7 face-to-face police counter service.

He added: "Front counters are about more than just numbers or footfall. They are about trust, reassurance, and accessibility. Richmond residents deserve a visible, accessible police presence in their community.”

The council has since reported that the High Court refused its application.

Cllr Gareth Roberts, Leader of Richmond Council, expressed disappointment over the decision and stated that the council still believed residents should have access to a face-to-face police counter service.

He said: "We took action because residents deserved to have their voices heard before such an important service was removed. While the court has reached its decision, that does not change the fact that Richmond has lost another visible part of its local policing presence.

“The council will continue pressing the Met Police and City Hall to properly recognise the needs of Richmond residents and restore accessible front counter provision in the borough.”

No costs order was made against the local authority, according to Richmond.

Adam Carey