Greenwich moves step closer to reinstating permanent police presence in Eltham

By Sam Wilson Ford

Greenwich has moved a step closer to reinstating a permanent police presence in Eltham after agreeing to find space for police teams in the town centre.

The announcement comes as a boost for Tory councillors, who have been campaigning on the issue for a number of years.

Eltham residents have been without a permanent police presence since the closure of Eltham police station in 2017.

The Borough Commander, Chief Superintendent Trevor Lawry said: “One of the things that struck me when I was speaking to officers at Eltham was that getting to Eltham is not a problem, but they have to go back to the police station to go to the toilet – that’s just ridiculous.

“What I want to do is have a series of places police officers can go within their local community because that is how you get a presence within the community.”

Cllr Charlie Davis, Deputy Leader of Greenwich Conservatives added: This is really welcome news – anti-social behaviour and crime are a major concern for residents here and committing to helping ensure a permanent police presence remains in the South of the Borough will help to address these concerns in a collaborative way.”