LOCAL RESIDENTS URGED T0 WRITE TO MP OVER BUSHY PARK POLICE CUTBACKS
The Friends of Bushy and Home Parks have joined the campaign against proposed police cutbacks, it was announced today.
The Chair of the Friends, Colin Muid, has written to the 1500 members of the FBHP and provided a draft letter of protest to be sent to local MP Munira Wilson and the Leader of Richmond Council, Cllr. Gareth Roberts.
Munira’s fellow Lib Dem MP Sarah Olney (Richmond Park) has also written to the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, Sir Mark Rowley to express her concerns at the proposals.
The Met is facing significant financial challenges because of a budget shortfall.
The letter says:
Friends
I am writing to draw your attention to a matter of concern affecting Bushy Park and Richmond Park.
Some of you may have seen or heard that the Metropolitan Police Commissioner is considering cutting the policing unit which covers the Royal Parks.
This unit comprises eighty officers who police the eight Royal Parks in London including ceremonial events outside Buckingham Palace.
Of these eighty officers, led by a Chief Inspector, twelve are based in Richmond Park, under the supervision of a Sergeant, who patrol both Richmond and Bushy Parks.
The twelve provide two shift cover (not night duty) seven days a week throughout the year.
You may have encountered the police patrol in Bushy Park either in their patrol car or on their electric buggy, where they patrol the park several times a day.
They are deployed to deal with known areas of unlawfulness, such as motorists flouting the “no through road” restriction on Chestnut Avenue, speeding in the park, dogs worrying deer, and anti-social behaviour, as well as preventing, investigating, and prosecuting the very occasional crime.
Their presence provides a sense of safety across the park, are a deterrent against wrongdoing by park users, and support the park management team in maintaining adherence to park regulations.
It might be understandable that the Commissioner will look at the Royal Parks unit and consider that the parks are not areas of significant criminal activity or of public disorder, and therefore ripe for cuts, as he faces demands elsewhere in London with insufficient funding to cover everything.
However, it is the case that we, the public, judge policing as effective when there is less crime and good public order.
I and my fellow Trustees, consider that the minimal policing which Bushy Park has experienced for the past decade has been very effective because we do not have significant crime or antisocial behaviour and that most park users conform to park regulations.
If we lose the policing, we believe wrongdoers will recognise there is no effective deterrent against bad behaviour and have disregard for park regulations which will cause damage to the environment, affecting habitats, wildlife, and the precious peacefulness the park provides.
If you agree with our contention, can I ask that you write to your MP and to the London Assembly Member for South West London, Gareth Roberts AM, expressing your concern?
Although I have already done so, as Chair of The Friends, it will have greatest impact if individual letters and emails are sent. With over 1500 members of The Friends, we can have a substantial body of voices.
I hope you will join me in raising concerns about this issue. To help you compose a suitable message, I attach a potential draft which you may wish to customise to suit your personal views.
Colin
Colin Muid
Chair, Friends of Bushy and Home Parks (Home – Friends of Bushy and Home Parks
Draft below is also attached as a Word document
DRAFT
Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, Postcode]
[Email Address]
[Date]
[MP’s Name]
House of Commons
London
SW1A 0AA
Dear [MP’s Name],
Re: Potential Funding Cuts to The Royal Parks Police Unit
I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the potential funding cuts to the Royal Parks Operational Command Unit, which is being considered by the Metropolitan Police Commissioner, Sir Mark Rowley. As a resident of [Your Area], I am particularly worried about the impact these cuts could have on the safety and security of our cherished Royal Parks, including [specific park(s) relevant to your area, e.g., Bushy Park, Richmond Park].
The Royal Parks Police Unit plays a crucial role in maintaining the safety and well-being of park visitors. Their presence not only deters crime but also provides a sense of security for those who use these green spaces for recreation and relaxation. The officers’ specialized knowledge of the parks’ unique environments and their ability to respond swiftly to incidents are invaluable assets that cannot be easily replaced by general neighbourhood policing.
Recent reports have highlighted the significant budget shortfall faced by the Metropolitan Police, necessitating difficult decisions regarding resource allocation. However, I urge you to consider the overwhelming support from the community for the Royal Parks Police Unit. A recent survey conducted by Richmond Upon Thames MP, Sarah Olney, revealed that over 98% of respondents opposed any cuts to this unit, emphasising the positive impact these officers have on our community.
The potential disbandment of the Royal Parks Police Unit would not only compromise the safety of park users but also undermine efforts to preserve the natural and cultural heritage of these iconic spaces. I respectfully request that you advocate for the retention of funding for this essential unit and convey the community’s concerns to the Metropolitan Police Commissioner.
Thank you for your attention to this important matter. I look forward to your support in ensuring the continued safety and security of our Royal Parks.
Yours sincerely,
[Your Name]