By Councillor Iain Dysart

After months of speculation, we now hear that Scotland Yard plans to close nearly half of London's police stations in order to save money.

Merton would lose either Wimbledon or Mitcham police stations, but, as a sweetener, there would be new contact points in supermarkets, libraries, coffee shops or other public places.

Although Merton's Borough Commander has held public meetings, I find it alarming that the Mayor of London's much vaunted consultation has not happened.

The plans assume that some police stations are not viable and that everyone would be happy to use other methods of reporting crime.

However, most of the new "venues" would not be available around the clock; and can we really take it as read that, for example, victims of child abuse or domestic violence would rather use them than visit a police station?

And have ways in which they could be made more viable been considered?

Local communities must be asked and have their views transparently taken into account.

Boris Johnson must explain why he has reneged on his promise to consult.

In Merton, we have a low crime borough and wish to keep it that way. However, those in authority must engage public confidence, which will not be achieved by a fait accompli.

Coun Dysart represents West Barnes ward and is Merton Council's Liberal Democrat group leader

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