A consultation on the reduction of police front counter staff in Richmond Borough will take place this evening at York House.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has launched a public consultation on plans to cut the number of police front counters in the capital.

Residents can have their say next month and find out in detail about the proposed changes.

Police front counter staff are the first point of contact for the public when they visit a police station.

They deal with callers' enquiries or ensure that they are passed to the most appropriate person or department. They also help officers with administrative duties.

The move, which could result in the closure of Teddington and Richmond front counters, is so the Mayor can put an additional £10 million into frontline policing in London’s communities.

Speaking in front of the London Assembly Policing Plenary in July, Mr Khan said: “The huge Government cuts to the Metropolitan Police Service mean we simply have no choice but to take measures like consulting on closing half of the front counters at police stations in London.

“I have repeatedly warned about this, while lobbying the government for fair funding. It is the only way we can protect the number of front line police officers in the capital.”

The event will give residents the opportunity to give their views and find out more about the proposed changes, including alternative ways to report crime.

Mayor’s Offfice for Policing and Crime (MOPAC) representative, Martin Tunstall will also be present.

Councillor Mark Boyle, Richmond Council cabinet member for community safety, said: “With the rise of modern reporting methods, such as online or by calling 101, there has been a drop in the number of people using public counters to report crime.

“Teddington and Richmond have been particularly impacted and the police have told me that for some months, there have been no ‘over the counter’ crimes reported there at all.

“However, whilst I appreciate the need to ensure public money is spent wisely, if the counters do close we need to make sure that the money saved is redirected into frontline policing and accessible customer service.

“I therefore encourage residents to attend the Police engagement event, hear more about the proposals and have their say in the consultation before the deadline.”

The event will take place tonight, September 18, from 7pm to 9pm at The Salon, York House, Twickenham.

To see the Mayor’s consultation, visit london.gov.uk. Have your say before Friday, October 6.