Tom Brake says he is working with police to open a new safer neighbourhood team base at Wallington fire station.

As reported by the Sutton Guardian, the headquarters at Crosspoint House, in Stafford Road, was shut as part of a major review by Scotland Yard.

A letter by Chief Inspector Craig Knight, seen by the newspaper, said officers who had been affected by the closure would operate out of Sutton police station in the meantime.

However, despite ongoing discussions involving Sutton police to find alternative locations, there’s no money available above a peppercorn rent agreement.

Meanwhile, Carshalton and Wallington MP Mr Brake has sent a letter to the London Fire Brigade about the proposals, believing the facility “fits the bill”.

“The current police base at Crosspoint House closed last week, forcing officers to travel over to Wallington from Sutton police station by public transport,” he said.

“This is not sustainable and it’s clear that a new location for an SNT [safer neighbourhood team] base is needed.

“Wallington fire station fits the bill – it’s open 24/7 and it’s logical to have two emergency services located in the same building. I have written to the London Fire Brigade, putting across a strong case for a joint base.

“I hope they respond positively.”

The closure of the Crosspoint House base comes as the Metropolitan Police, Britain’s largest police force, was revealed to have sold more than £1 billion in property as it tries to combat continued funding cuts.

Data obtained under Freedom of Information (FOI) laws, by the Press Association, discovered that the Met had just 137 “operational” buildings and 37 “residential” ones.

But Ch Insp Knight insists it’s “not feasible” for Scotland Yard to retain its portfolio of 400-plus police sites “at the enormous ongoing costs to the public purse” without cutting back on police officer numbers.

A London Fire Brigade spokesman said: “The brigade has received the letter from Tom Brake MP and will be responding to it in due course.”